Obama backs teacher merit pay

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama embraced merit pay for teachers Tuesday in spelling out a vision of education that may alienate backers of teacher unions.

A strategy that ties teacher pay to student performance has for years been anathema to teachers' unions, a powerful force in the Democratic Party. These unions also are wary of charter schools, nontraditional educational systems that they believe compete with traditional schools for tax dollars.

Obama, however, also spoke favorably of charter schools, saying that where they work, they should be encouraged.

He did acknowledge in his speech to the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce that his proposals could meet heavy resistance in both political parties.

"Too many supporters of my party have resisted the idea of rewarding excellence in teaching with extra pay, even though we know it can make a difference in the classroom," Obama said, delivering the first major education speech of his presidency. "Too many in the Republican Party have opposed new investments in early education, despite compelling evidence of its importance."

But he argued that a far-reaching overhaul of the nation's education system is an economic imperative that can't wait, despite the urgency of the financial crisis and other pressing issues.

"Despite resources that are unmatched anywhere in the world, we have let our grades slip, our schools crumble, our teacher quality fall short, and other nations outpace us," Obama said. "The relative decline of American education is untenable for our economy, unsustainable for our democracy, and unacceptable for our children. We cannot afford to let it continue. What is at stake is nothing less than the American dream."

Randi Weingarten, president of the 1.4 million-member American Federation of Teachers, said the union would "embrace the goals and aspirations outlined today by President Obama."

"Teachers want to make a difference in kids' lives, and they appreciate a president who shares that goal and will spend his political capital to provide the resources to make it happen," Weingarten said. "As with any public policy, the devil is in the details, and it is important that teachers' voices are heard."

Vik Arnold, director of government relations and political action for the Utah Education Association, said hearing Obama speak in support of performance pay for teachers is not a surprise.

"This was a part of his campaign plan," Arnold said.

Arnold also said "the UEA is not categorically against performance pay plans."