Teachers on Tenure

According to Time magazine, the early 1900’s started an era of teacher unions being involved in something called tenure. Tenure is job security granted to teachers who have taught in a school for a probationary period. When tenured, a teacher worries less about losing their job to someone else, unless the cause is substantial.
Some teachers have had a problem with tenure since it has been in effect in the United States. Many newer teachers believe that if they teach well, they shouldn’t be afraid to lose their job because some older teacher is tenured and less likely to lose theirs. First year Urbana High School teacher, Elizabeth Martinez said, “I understand why tenure exists, but I think it would make more sense if all teachers had the same protections and evaluations, regardless of seniority.”
On the other hand, teachers who have taught longer and are tenured have a different opinion. Social Studies teacher Mark Foley said that without tenure, “the quality of teachers would go down dramatically.”
Recently in Indiana and Wisconsin, there has been some controversy about limiting the rights of teachers’ unions. Even more widespread, there’s been a debate about eliminating tenure.
Many teachers throughout the nation are questioning getting rid of it. Martinez said, “If tenure rights were to end I think it would mean that teachers would not feel very secure in their workplace and not as willing to share their opinions, which would be detrimental to schools.”
Foley agreed. He said “The worst teacher you ever had—that’s the teacher you would have in all of your classes.”
Others think that the loss of tenure would be beneficial. Fourth year UHS teacher, Tom Neal said, “Stagnant teachers would improve their practices so they could keep their job.”
At the moment, tenure is a very sensitive subject in the United States. Some people are afraid to say things about the subject, in fear of sparking a controversy. Others are bravely speaking out. Whether something happens to tenure and unions or things stay the same, it’s safe to say that this won’t be ending very soon.