Tenure law changes are on their way in 2008-2009, and NYSUT is carefully monitoring development of the new regulations to ensure that they make sense and respect collective bargaining rights.  The upcoming changes, which require the creation of statewide minimum standards for teacher tenure determinations, are part of Gov. Spitzer’s education accountability system.  Under Chapter 57 of the laws of 2007, the statewide process for tenure determinations made on or after July 1, 2008, includes: 

• An evaluation of the teacher’s successful use of student performance data when providing instruction.
• Peer review by other teachers, as far as practicable; and
• An assessment by the teacher’s building administrator.

“NYSUT opposes making changes affecting teachers currently in a tenure track, “ NYSUT Vice President Maria Neira said “It’s a matter of fairness.  You can’t change the rules in the middle of the process.”  NYSUT is also working to ensure that the regulations clearly indicate that any changes in the determination of tenure for new teachers are consistent with the local collective bargaining agreement.

Neira noted that the State Education Department has not yet released its proposed regulations.