Tenure for K-12 Teachers?

Some believe that tenure is a wonderful thing to have for every teacher in the K-12 setting.  I, for example, do not.  I understand the theory that teachers are granted a continuous contract, however I feel tenure allows teachers to become extremely complacent in their teaching.  In contrast, I understand the importance of tenure in the higher education setting.  Professors need the ability to write their possible controversial topics without being fired for that.  K-12 teachers are generally not writing articles or books that are controversial.  In general, tenure in the K-12 setting is solely for the continuous contract.

It has become a tradition for me to watch the movie Freedom Writers during the summer.  This happened to be on TV last night and brought back many thoughts about why I became a teacher in the first place.  I always want to be that inspiration to my students.  I believe in every child in my classroom and welcome them all with open arms.  My students know that I expect only the best from each of them and they always succeed.  When I do obtain tenure in the next year or so, I will not let that interfere with the way I teach.  Each year is a new group of students, a new group of learning styles, and a breath of fresh air for teaching.  If I continued to teach my students the same each year not only would I become bored, my students wouldn't learn.

There was a very pointed spot in the movie that really had me thinking of the thoughts behind tenure for teachers who have been in the profession for a while.  Why should teachers who have seniority be granted the "higher" students?  Clearly Ms. G has developed a strong relationship with her students.  They have developed and opened up to her in ways they never had before.  I'm not saying ALL tenured teachers become complacent, but I do believe those that have been in the profession for many years lose the drive to do everything it takes to meet the individual needs of their students. 

I understand that firing tenured teachers can be difficult, but it is imperative for principals to do their due diligence to work with every teacher, tenured or not yet tenured, to ensure that the individual needs of students are met.  If a not yet tenured teacher is not meeting expectations then they are "let go" at the end of the one year contract.  While it is more difficult for this to happen to a tenured teacher, it is not forbidden.  However, it is rare that one sees that happen.


If you haven't seen Freedom Writers, it is a MUST see for teachers.  The movie is inspiring and thought provoking.  As I said, I watch it every summer and remind myself to always be the teacher who inspires the students.  I am also reminded to never be complacent and will not let tenure get in the way of my teaching.