And now, an NBC Bay Area Editorial:
Nationwide, states are debating the pros and cons of teacher tenure, and so should we.
I'm Suzanne Shaw (NBC Bay Area Editorial Director)
In California, public school teachers become "permanent" after just two years of work. And though most teachers do an admirable job, those who underperform are protected by tenure. "Low student achievement" is no grounds for dismissal. So, low performing teachers often stay on the job.
Public education needs reform at all levels, we believe that includes tenure reform. The guaranteed job regardless of performance must go! There has to be accountability. Students deserve the most inspiring teachers we can find. NBC Bay Area has advocated holding administrators and parents accountable, so let us evaluate teachers, at least in part, by whether their students learn.
