Origin and Purpose of Tenure
Key Facts
- Origin: Teacher tenure began in New Jersey in 1909. It was initially granted to college professors and later extended to elementary and high school teachers.
- Purpose: The primary purpose of tenure was to protect teachers from arbitrary dismissal and to ensure academic freedom. It aimed to prevent administrators or external influences from interfering with teachers’ lesson plans or excluding controversial materials from the curriculum.
- Labor struggles: The tenure movement for teachers paralleled labor struggles in other industries during the late 19th century. Just as workers fought for better working conditions and wages, teachers demanded protection from unfair treatment.
- Tenure process: The process of obtaining tenure typically involves a multi-year evaluation and review process. Teachers on the tenure track undergo periodic evaluations by a peer-review committee, which assesses their teaching, research, funding, outreach, and impact in their field.
- Challenges and criticisms: Critics argue that tenure can inadvertently protect incompetent teachers from being fired. The lengthy and costly process involved in dismissing a tenured teacher can make it difficult to remove underperforming educators from the classroom.
Tenure for teachers originated in the United States in 1909, beginning in the state of New Jersey (Kahlenberg, 2015). Initially, tenure was granted to college professors, but it was later extended to elementary and high school teachers. The primary purpose of tenure was to safeguard teachers from arbitrary dismissal and ensure academic freedom. It aimed to prevent administrators or external influences from interfering with teachers’ lesson plans or excluding controversial materials from the curriculum (Kahlenberg, 2015).
Tenure and Labor Struggles
The tenure movement for teachers paralleled labor struggles in other industries during the late 19th century. Just as workers fought for better working conditions and wages, teachers demanded protection from unfair treatment (Stephey, 2008). The National Educator’s Association, now one of the country’s most influential teachers’ unions, held its first conference in Chicago in 1887, where the topic of teacher tenure was a central focus (Stephey, 2008).
Tenure Process and Challenges
Obtaining tenure typically involves a multi-year evaluation and review process. Teachers on the tenure track undergo periodic evaluations by a peer-review committee, which assesses their teaching, research, funding, outreach, and impact in their field (Ishaq, 2021). While tenure provides job security and academic freedom, it has also faced criticism. Critics argue that tenure can inadvertently protect incompetent teachers from being fired. The lengthy and costly process involved in dismissing a tenured teacher can make it difficult to remove underperforming educators from the classroom (Stephey, 2008).
Conclusion
Tenure for teachers has a long and complex history in the United States. While it was initially intended to protect teachers from arbitrary dismissal and ensure academic freedom, it has also been criticized for potentially protecting incompetent teachers. The ongoing debate surrounding tenure reflects the delicate balance between job security, academic freedom, and the need for accountability in the education system.
References
Kahlenberg, R. D. (2015). Tenure Is Not the Problem. Slate. Retrieved from https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2014/06/tenure-is-not-the-problem.html
Stephey, M. J. (2008, November 17). A Brief History of Tenure. Time. Retrieved from http://content.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1859505,00.html
Ishaq, S. (2021, March 26). A brief history of the brief history of academic tenure. The Ishaq Lab. Retrieved from https://sueishaqlab.org/2021/03/26/a-brief-history-of-the-brief-history-of-academic-tenure/
FAQs
When did tenure for teachers originate in the United States?
Tenure for teachers originated in the United States in 1909, beginning in the state of New Jersey.
What was the primary purpose of tenure for teachers?
The primary purpose of tenure was to protect teachers from arbitrary dismissal and ensure academic freedom, preventing administrators or external influences from interfering with their teaching or curriculum choices.
How is tenure typically obtained by teachers?
Teachers on the tenure track undergo a multi-year evaluation and review process, where a peer-review committee assesses their teaching, research, funding, outreach, and impact in their field.
What are some of the criticisms of tenure for teachers?
Critics argue that tenure can inadvertently protect incompetent teachers from being fired, as the process for dismissing a tenured teacher can be lengthy and costly.
What is the ongoing debate surrounding tenure for teachers?
The ongoing debate centers around the balance between job security, academic freedom, and the need for accountability in the education system.
What are some examples of the labor struggles that paralleled the tenure movement for teachers?
The tenure movement for teachers paralleled labor struggles in other industries during the late 19th century, such as steel and auto workers fighting for better working conditions and wages.
How did the tenure movement for teachers gain momentum?
The tenure movement for teachers gained momentum through organizations like the National Educator’s Association, which held its first conference in 1887, where tenure was a central topic.
How has tenure evolved over time?
Tenure has evolved over time, with some states eliminating the term “tenure” while retaining the due-process rights it embodies, and others implementing creative approaches like mentoring programs to improve teacher performance.