Teacher Incentives and the Future of Merit-Based Pay in Georgia

Abstract

<p>This study summarizes the empirical results of school-level research done in Georgia, one of the post-Soviet, Caucasian states, in October 2009. The findings drawn from qualitative and quantitative data describe current policies regarding teacher salaries and incentives in Georgia and identify future possible policy strategies aimed at the country's teacher profession. The paper stresses the importance of introducing more centrally planned as well as school-level incentives in Georgia. Data analysis shows that teachers in Georgia have mixed feelings regarding merit-based pay reform. If implemented, this type of reform would arrive too early since Georgia does not yet have the centralized system of teacher evaluation. Instead, all teachers may be rewarded additionally to give them economic stimulus and motivation for better performance.</p>