"Tenure with Teeth": Improving the Induction and Tenure Process in a Nation Where Teaching is At Risk (Volume 1, Episode 3)

Davey and Angela do a "Deep Dive" to discuss how to improve the tenure process for new teachers such that they earn tenure based on products and demonstrable outcomes.

Guided by Dr. Howie Knoff's recommendations for improving teacher recruitment, evaluation, and tenure, your Hosts discuss the need for a multi-year induction program for new teachers. They differentiate these teachers as "novice," "transfer," or "transitional" teachers, and they emphasize that schools' induction/tenure process needs to focus on skill development in research, curriculum, instruction, and community service. 

They, through Dr. Howie, propose that tenure be awarded after five years, and that "candidates" need to submit a portfolio demonstrating proficiency in the areas above. The portfolio should be evaluated by a Tenure Committee and the district's Superintendent. 

This entire process emphasizes professional growth rather than simply time-in-employment, and it utilizes teacher effective frameworks, like the one developed by Danielson, to guide teacher development and progress. Some initially-unsuccessful candidates may receive additional time to improve. Other clearly ineffective teachers should not be tenured, and their contracts should not be renewed.