Preferences, Selection, and the Structure of Teacher Pay

Andrew C. Johnston

American Economic Journal: Applied Economics, 2025, vol. 17, issue 3, 310-46

Abstract: I examine teacher preferences using a discrete-choice experiment linked to data on teacher effectiveness. I estimate willingness to pay for a rich set of compensation elements and working conditions. Highly effective teachers usually have the same preferences as their peers, but they have stronger preferences for performance pay. I use the preference estimates to investigate the optimal compensation structure for three key objectives: maximizing teacher utility, maximizing teacher retention, and maximizing student achievement. Under each objective, schools underutilize salary and performance pay while overutilizing retirement benefits. Restructuring compensation can significantly improve both teacher welfare and student achievement.

JEL-codes: H75 I21 J31 J32 J45 J81 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1257/app.20210763

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