Thanks for highlighting the fact that Gov. John Kasich is soliciting advice and opinions from Ohio teachers in regard to the new performance-pay system mandated by the new state budget ("Kasich asks teachers to design merit-pay plan," Dispatch article, July 13).

Without proper input, teachers understandably are wary of how they will be evaluated and compensated. And, of course, any change is hard and often unnerving. As we've seen in school districts across the country, if teachers have input in creating a fair and equitable system, we'll see results that can work for all educators.

As a professional educators association, the Association of American Educators finds through its member surveys that professional educators want to be held accountable and recognized for their accomplishments as long as the evaluation system is fair. Whether it be for raising test scores, working in high-need schools or taking on additional roles in schools, teachers are searching for a system that rewards excellence and recognizes the unique role they play.

We commend Kasich for his efforts to understand and account for the thoughts and concerns of Ohio's teachers, and we look forward to collaborating with the administration in advancing positive changes for the teaching profession.

Gary Beckner is executive director of the Association of American Educators (www.aaeteachers.org). The Association of American Educators, based in Mission Viejo, Calif., is the largest national nonunion professional teachers association.

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