RE: Personnel Development

Thank you Mr. Ratliff for your response. In reading responses to my initial statement, I realize there is some consensus that we do not want to encourage the passionate and gifted teachers to leave the classroom, even if to stay in education. The students need the best. I wholeheartedly agree. But let us also agree that our students need the best teachers performing at their BEST ability. If we can turn the trick by keeping our teachers passionate throughout their career AND in front of students the entire time, I'm open. The career ladder concept in the Master Plan is the best hope I've seen of achieving this. 
     I am reminded of a friend who teaches in Laguna Beach. He left his science class to be a vice-principal.He was burning out after 25 years of teaching high school juniors. He returned after a brief stint in administration because he missed the classroom. He now loves his job more than ever.
     I would also like to comment on the migration of teachers from lesser affluent schools to more affluent schools. How do we attract the experienced teacher to the less affluent school? We need to build a belief that ALL schools are pillars of the community, to be respected by ALL in each community. Instead of just paying teachers more to work in the less affluent schools, how can we rebuild these same schools into institutions where teachers WANT to join the faculty? A daunting task, because the surrounding communities in the less affluent districts need to participate in the process. Certainly competitive salaries are the starting point, but what other areas need our attention?  Respectfully, Brian Miller