The Huffington Post has reported that some teachers at Gwinnett County Schools, Georgia, USA are offering their services for free. Whilst this is admirable, does it not run the risk of devaluing a teachers time? Some authorities might think they can get away with paying nothing or substantially reducing the pay of teachers. This is indeed a dangerous, slippery slope. Knowledge is inherently valuable and those who are able to teach it should be paid for their valuable services.
Each individual teacher has to make their own decision on the matter and some will want to offer free services. But, as a general principle it should be resisted. If teachers are being forced to have more free time and reduced pay, one option is to start up their own on-line teaching business.
Here is the article from Huffington Post: “Gwinnett County Schools Teachers Work For Free During Summer Months To Help Georgia Students Read“