Teacher Tenure Laws

Like all citizens, tenured teachers are protected by the Due Process Clause of the U.S. Constitution. This clause ensures that no person is deprived of their life, liberty, or property without the due process of law.

In the context of tenured teachers, this means they cannot be subjected to arbitrary termination without being provided proper procedures that respect their legal rights and employment contract.

What Is Tenure?

Tenure in the context of education is a pivotal aspect of the academic profession, ensuring academic freedom and offering protection against arbitrary termination.

1. Origins and Purpose of Tenure

Tenure originated from the need to shield educators and researchers from undue influence or retaliation, particularly when their academic pursuits or teachings might be considered controversial or not in alignment with popular or administrative opinions. The primary objective of tenure is to protect academic freedom, which is the right of teachers and scholars to pursue their research, teaching, and learning without fear of retribution.

2. Probationary Period of Employment

Before attaining tenure, educators usually go through a probationary period where their performance, competence, and compatibility with the institution’s goals are meticulously evaluated. This period, often several years long, allows the institution to assess the educator’s effectiveness, commitment, and potential long-term contributions.

3. The Tenure Review Process

Earning tenure isn’t automatic. Once the probationary period is completed, a rigorous review process ensues. Colleagues, administrators, and sometimes students provide evaluations. The candidate’s teaching abilities, research contributions, publications, service to the institution, and even character might be scrutinized.

4. Protections Offered by Tenure

While tenure offers job security, it does not equate to a job for life. What it does ensure is that a tenured educator can’t be dismissed without just cause. “Just cause” encompasses substantial reasons like gross misconduct, severe incompetence, or other significant violations. This protection ensures decisions about an educator’s continued employment are based on professional criteria and not whims, politics, or non-performance-related issues.

5. Tenure’s Role in Advancing Education

The protections tenure offers can lead to positive outcomes for educational institutions and students. Educators can explore unconventional or innovative teaching methods, research groundbreaking or controversial topics, and voice their opinions without fear, knowing that they won’t be arbitrarily penalized.

When Is a Teacher Eligible for Tenure?

Eligibility for tenure varies by state and institution. Generally, teachers become eligible for tenure after completing a probationary period of employment, which can range from several months to several years. During this time, the teacher’s performance is regularly evaluated, and if deemed satisfactory, they can be granted tenure status.

What Protections Does Tenure Provide?

Tenure offers teachers protection against arbitrary termination. It ensures that they can’t be dismissed without just cause and establishes procedures to be followed before a termination decision. This protection supports academic freedom, allowing educators to teach or research without fear of retaliation.

When Can a Tenured Teacher Be Dismissed from Service?

While tenure offers protection, it does not grant immunity. Tenured teachers can still be dismissed for reasons such as incompetence, insubordination, moral turpitude, or other serious misconduct. However, the reasons must be substantial, and the dismissal cannot be arbitrary.

Here’s a breakdown of each reason.

Incompetence

• Definition: A consistent inability to perform job duties at an acceptable level.
• Examples:
  • A math teacher who consistently makes errors in teaching basic arithmetic concepts.
  • A science teacher who sets up experiments without understanding the underlying principles or safety measures.
  • Repeated negative performance reviews indicating a lack of understanding or proficiency in the subject matter.

Insubordination

• Definition: A deliberate refusal to obey a direct order or follow established rules set by superiors.
• Examples:
  • A teacher who refuses to implement a new curriculum approved by the school board.
  • Ignoring or going against explicit directives from the school principal regarding classroom management.
  • Failing to attend mandatory meetings or trainings.

Moral Turpitude

• Definition: Conduct that is considered contrary to community standards of honesty, good morals, or justice.
• Examples:
  • Engaging in fraudulent activities, like altering student grades in exchange for bribes.
  • Engaging in inappropriate relationships with students.
  • Criminal activities outside the workplace such as theft, assault, or other offenses that impact the teacher’s integrity and standing in the community.

Other Serious Misconduct

• Definition: Actions that don’t necessarily fall into the categories above but still represent grave breaches of professional or societal standards.
• Examples:
  • Being under the influence of alcohol or drugs while on duty.
  • Physical altercations with colleagues or students.
  • Repeated absences without a valid reason or without informing the school authorities.

For each of these grounds, the key is that the reason for dismissal must be substantial. For instance, a one-time minor mistake in teaching a concept (everyone can have an off day) may not be grounds for alleging incompetence. Similarly, a single heated argument with a colleague might not be enough to classify as serious misconduct.

The process must ensure that the teacher’s actions or behavior warrant dismissal and that the teacher isn’t being targeted unfairly or arbitrarily. This is where the due process protections play a pivotal role in ensuring fairness and justice.

What Procedures Must Be Followed Before a Tenured Teacher Can Be Dismissed?

The exact procedures vary by jurisdiction and institution, but in general, due process requires:

1. Written Notice of the Charges or Reasons for Dismissal

• Explanation: This is a formal notification provided to the teacher indicating the reasons they are being considered for dismissal. The document should specify the grounds for dismissal, whether it’s incompetence, insubordination, moral turpitude, or other serious misconduct.
• Example: A written notice might state, “You are hereby notified that your continued failure to adhere to the curriculum guidelines as evidenced on dates X, Y, and Z has led the school board to consider your dismissal.”

2. An Opportunity for the Teacher to Respond to the Charges

• Explanation: This allows the teacher to defend themselves, present their side of the story, or provide explanations or mitigating factors for the alleged behavior. This opportunity is crucial to ensure fairness, as there might be misunderstandings or misinterpretations that led to the charges.
• Example: During a hearing, a teacher accused of insubordination might explain that they didn’t implement a new curriculum immediately because they identified errors in it and were awaiting clarification. They could produce email correspondence to validate their claim.

3. A Fair and Impartial Review

• Explanation: The teacher’s case is reviewed by an objective committee or board. This ensures that the decision is not influenced by personal biases or vendettas. The reviewing body examines all evidence, hears both sides, and makes a judgment based on facts rather than emotions or politics.
• Example: The school board, or a designated committee, could hold a meeting where both the school administration (who might have initiated the dismissal) and the teacher present their arguments. The board would evaluate the situation without any preconceived notions.

4. A Final Decision Based on the Evidence Presented During the Hearing

• Explanation: After reviewing all evidence and hearing all testimonies, a conclusion is drawn. This decision should be based solely on the merits of the case presented during the hearing. The teacher should be informed of the decision in writing, and it should be made clear whether the teacher will be dismissed, face other disciplinary actions, or be exonerated.
• Example: After a thorough review of a case where a teacher was accused of moral turpitude, the board might conclude that the evidence was insufficient or unreliable, leading to the teacher’s exoneration. Alternatively, if the evidence is substantial and undeniable, they might uphold the dismissal.

In all these steps, the overarching principle is the teacher’s right to a fair procedure, ensuring that their years of service and dedication to the profession are honored, even as potential concerns about their performance or behavior are addressed.

This process ensures that the teacher’s rights under the Due Process Clause are upheld and that they are not subjected to arbitrary actions. If you’re a teacher facing potential dismissal or believe your rights as a tenured educator have been violated, it’s crucial to consult with an employment attorney who can advise on your situation.

Should You Contact an Attorney?

Yes, you should. Legal professionals can ensure that your rights are protected and provide guidance throughout any legal proceedings.

Use LegalMatch to find a knowledgeable government lawyer who handles employment and tenure issues to assist you.