THINGS are already changing for teachers in Nottingham and Notts. They are being subjected to much tougher inspections, while different holiday patterns are being introduced.
Now changes are set to be made to how they are awarded pay rises.
The traditional method of increasing pay depending on length of service is set to be replaced by performance-related pay under suggestions from the School Teachers' Review Body.
While the move has been welcomed in some circles, others have slammed it as damaging for the profession.
Ivan Wels, joint division secretary for the National Union of Teachers, said he was "shocked" by the move. "This is a return to the Victorian system of payment by results," he said. "You don't get pay rises unless you can prove by tests or exam scores you merit it.
"That system was abolished because it was ineffective and leads to cheating, because people's livelihoods are at stake.
"It is not focusing on what matters, which is providing a good education for kids in our schools.
"In all, it could be disastrous from an education point of view. It will be a completely unfair way of doing things."
Other unions have also spoken out against it, with Mary Bousted, general secretary of the Association of Teachers and Lecturers saying it would be "a disaster for children's education".
The move is being brought in to make it easier for heads to recruit and reward the most talented staff. Pay rises would be rewarded depending on annual reviews.
Subject to consultation, it could be brought in by September next year.
Currently, qualified teachers start on a salary of just over £21,500. They are eligible to move up the pay scale each September. Under the new regulations, this would not happen unless they received a good annual review.
Barry Day, chief executive of the Greenwood Dale Foundation Trust, which runs Nottingham Academy and Nottingham Girls' Academy, doesn't believe it would be such a radical step.
He said: "We already have a system of performance-related pay, where the best quality teachers get promoted for the work they do. This move is simply taking it a step further.
"For classroom teachers who have been there for a number of years, they have different levels that they can move through, so this is also performance related.
"People shouldn't progress with their pay if they are not doing their job. You wouldn't expect it in industry, so it shouldn't happen in schools."
Robin Fugill, principal at Arnold Hill Academy, is also in favour. He said: "I think it can be a positive move for schools. It can act as a real motivation factor for staff and a great way to pay excellent teachers.
"My experience is that the majority of teachers in the profession are dedicated people that put in hours over and above their day job to get lessons planned for pupils."
Parent Mark Steele, 37, of Mansfield, said: "It will hopefully reward teachers for the job they do.
"I don't see it having motivational aspects as most teachers strive to do what is best for students."
