Does Massachusetts have tenure for teachers?
A teacher who has served in the public schools of a school district for the three previous consecutive school years is deemed to have earned “professional teacher status,” which is sometimes referred to as tenure. M.G.L.
What is professional teacher status in Massachusetts?
Professional Teacher Status is a designation in Massachusetts law signifying that a school employee has served a certain probationary period and has thereby obtained some measure of job security.
What are some of the reasons teachers can be dismissed?
Some causes for dismissal include the following:
- Immoral conduct.
- Incompetence.
- Neglect of duty.
- Substantial noncompliance with school laws.
- Conviction of a crime.
- Insubordination.
- Fraud or misrepresentation.
Does Ma teaching license expire?
Professional level licenses are valid for five calendar years and must be renewed in order to remain active. Professional level licenses that are either within one year from expiring or currently on inactive status can be renewed only if the required number of PDPs has been earned.
How many PDPs do I need in Massachusetts?
Educators are required to earn 150 professional development points (PDPs) in order to be recertified in their primary area of licensure, and 30 PDPs for each additional license.
What is the most commonly cited grounds for teacher termination?
Teacher Tenure – Reasons for Dismissal
- Incompetence.
- Insubordination.
- Neglect of duty.
- Immorality.
- Justifiable decrease in the number of positions or other good and just cause.
- Failure to perform duties in a satisfactory manner.
Which states have tenure for teachers?
In most states, tenure is awarded after three years Four states (California, Mississippi, South Carolina, and Vermont) have only a two-year probationary period. The remaining 19 states have probationary periods of four years or more. A few states allow for flexibility around the timing of the tenure decision.
How long does it take to fire a tenured teacher?
This process can take up to six months to complete. If the teacher does not like the decision handed down at the end of the hearing process, he can appeal the decision in court, taking another two to three years to finalize the process.
Do you need a masters degree to teach in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts has a structured, tiered system for teachers. Meaning to earn a professional license, teachers must earn a master’s degree and pass the pertinent parts of the Massachusetts Test for Educator Licensure (MTEL). A master’s degree is not required to begin a career as a high school teacher in Massachusetts.
How many PDPs do you need to renew your teaching license in Massachusetts?
A minimum of 30 PDPs. Of the 30, at least 15 PDPs in content are required. The remaining 15 PDPs may be earned through either “elective” activities that address other educational issues and topics that improve student learning, additional content, or pedagogy.