Quote:
Originally Posted by ebarker
If I were writing a policy, here is what I'd do.
Establish the "Teacher STEM Incentive Award Program" administered by the U.S Department of Education.
The award program is simple.
....
I'll pick some stipend amounts out of the air.
FIRST FRC $ 1,500
FIRST FTC $ 1,000
FIRST FLL $ 750
VEX $ 1,000
MATE $ 1,000
and a few other programs
.
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First of all, I am delighted that the American government has intentions to invest in education, particularly with regard to science and technology. Hopefully it inspires increased interest on this side of the border as well.
Second of all, I have to admit that I am writing my comments as a teacher in British Columbia's public education system. I am aware that salaries, workloads, educational requirements for teachers and traditions around stipends for coaching school sports are different in the United States, and vary (sometimes greatly) from state to state.
However I know from my experience as a teacher sponsor of an FRC team, FLL teams, FTC teams and VEX teams that I would be happier to see funds allocated towards removing some of the obstacles that stand in the way of sponsoring teams... entry fees, material supplies, workspace and travelling costs, rather than to me, personally. Professional development for teachers new to the program would also help make them more comfortable with stepping forward to sponsor a team.
I can see where this suggestion is coming from and appreciate the good intent behind it, but I have found that when teachers are adequately compensated for their education, dedication and hard work, and are given an environment in which they can be effective teachers, that they will find many ways to volunteer to provide exciting, enriching experiences for students without additional financial motivation.
So if teachers aren't volunteering... perhaps there is a bigger problem than just a lack of financial motiviation. I know we've seen teacher volunteerism here in BC drop off as the government has increased class sizes and generally used education as a political football. That definitely decreases teacher motiviation...
Jason