The Tenure Debate
Running head: TENURE IN TODAY 'S EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM
Tenure in Today 's Educational System
Michael Mares, Rick Mann , Elise Margolin, Lisa Mack
Grand Canyon University
Legal Issues in Education
EDA 532
Dr. Thomas Williams
February 13, 2010
Abstract This paper discusses several key issues surrounding the practice of teacher tenure, an often controversial and emotional subject in the arena of public education. The protection or terminations of teachers, lack of tenure in other occupations, the cost/benefit ratio, as well as the future of tenure are addressed.
Tenure in Today 's Educational System For the last one hundred years, teacher tenure has been part of American public education. “The start of the tenure movement paralleled similar labor struggles during the late 19th century” (Stephey, 2008) and in 1910 New Jersey was the first state to pass legislation guaranteeing “fair dismissal rights to college professors” (ibid). The ensuing years have seen the spread and continuance of tenure to all public educators. Today, tenure is becoming more closely scrutinized than ever due to the importance placed on student test scores, academic progress, and graduation rates. “Some teachers argue tenure has become a scapegoat for a whole basket of education and financial ills” (Stephey, 20008). Conversely, others argue that”…tenure, more often, protects good teachers from the misperceptions and politics of the job” (Koorstra, 2000). When it comes to the issue of teacher tenure, both sides do present valid arguments in their defense. It is well known that there are bad employees at every position in every job. But when poor teachers exist, they can both harm children and the profession. It is well known among teachers that some are better than others. Experienced teachers usually find themselves protected by tenure because it is hard and embarrassing to
Tenure in Today 's Educational System
Michael Mares, Rick Mann , Elise Margolin, Lisa Mack
Grand Canyon University
Legal Issues in Education
EDA 532
Dr. Thomas Williams
February 13, 2010
Abstract This paper discusses several key issues surrounding the practice of teacher tenure, an often controversial and emotional subject in the arena of public education. The protection or terminations of teachers, lack of tenure in other occupations, the cost/benefit ratio, as well as the future of tenure are addressed.
Tenure in Today 's Educational System For the last one hundred years, teacher tenure has been part of American public education. “The start of the tenure movement paralleled similar labor struggles during the late 19th century” (Stephey, 2008) and in 1910 New Jersey was the first state to pass legislation guaranteeing “fair dismissal rights to college professors” (ibid). The ensuing years have seen the spread and continuance of tenure to all public educators. Today, tenure is becoming more closely scrutinized than ever due to the importance placed on student test scores, academic progress, and graduation rates. “Some teachers argue tenure has become a scapegoat for a whole basket of education and financial ills” (Stephey, 20008). Conversely, others argue that”…tenure, more often, protects good teachers from the misperceptions and politics of the job” (Koorstra, 2000). When it comes to the issue of teacher tenure, both sides do present valid arguments in their defense. It is well known that there are bad employees at every position in every job. But when poor teachers exist, they can both harm children and the profession. It is well known among teachers that some are better than others. Experienced teachers usually find themselves protected by tenure because it is hard and embarrassing to
References: Association of Texas Professional Educators (2010). No Child Left Behind Standard (NCLB) for “Highly Qualified”. Retrieved February 14, 2010, from http://www.atpe.org/Protection/Certification/certNCLB.asp Clowes, G. A. (2003). Teachers Like Tenure But Admit Its Flaws. Retrieved Februay 13, 2010, from http://www.heartland.org/policybot/results/12437/Teachers_Like_Tenure_But_Admit_Its_Flaws.html Koorstra, D. (2000). Tenure Protects Good Teachers, Too. Retrieved February 13, 2010 from http://www.educationreport.org/pubs/mer/article.aspx?ID=2696 Miron, Jeffrey. (2001, September 24). The Economics of the tenure system. Retrieved from http://dev.econlib.org/library/Columns/Mirontenure.html Reis, R. (1999, September 24). Is the Tenure path the best route for you? Retrieved from http://chronicle.com/article/Is-the-Tenure-Path-the-Best/45696/ Schecker, Ellen. (2000, June). A Dean looks at tenure. Retrieved from http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3860/is_200005/ai_n8899505/pg2/?tag=content;c l1 Stephey, M. J. (2008). A Brief History of Tenure. Retrieved February 13, 2010, from http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1859505,00.html Teacher tenure tumbles. (2008). Observer, Retrieved from http://www.observer.com/2008/politics/teacher-tenure-tumbles