We believe in the talent, creativity and drive of our teachers. The union’s arguments against linking pay with student scores — that it is unfair and will necessarily stifle collaboration — simply ring hollow. Workers elsewhere are given financial incentives without staging subterfuge. Perhaps principals could require teachers to work in teams — just as many teachers require of their students.

We are confident our teachers will thrive when given federal resources, even with strings attached. We urge the NJEA to encourage its members to join the “Race.” Otherwise, New Jersey schools will be stuck on the sidelines while others build a better future for their students.

What kind of teacher would settle for that?

The Record Editorial on why the NJEA leadership should drop its “litmus test” on linking teacher pay to performance and reverse its decision telling local units to refuse to sign Race To The Top applications.