Teacher vs Principal Tenure: Unpacking the Perception and Reality
Teaching and administrating are both integral roles in the education system. However, a common misconception exists: teachers get fired more often than principals. Let's delve into the realities and perceptions surrounding teacher tenure and the ease of firing principals.
The Rigorous Path to Teaching
As a profession, teaching is no walk in the park. The path to a teaching certificate is thorough and demanding. College students and those preparing to become teachers must pass rigorous examinations and background checks. For instance, in my state, anyone entering public schools undergoes extensive ethics training and must pass two ethics exams before receiving a certificate.
Once a teacher has tenure, the chances of being fired decrease significantly. Tenure in public schools is a form of job security. Teachers have to commit serious legal breaches to be fired, which speaks to the level of trust and responsibility bestowed upon them.
Principal Tenure and Firings
Principals, on the other hand, do not enjoy this job security. They serve under the pleasure of the superintendent and school board, meaning they can be dismissed with little cause. Although they have contracts, districts are required to either pay out the contract or find them another position. This means principals do not entirely lose their income when fired. However, the ease with which administrators can be removed from their positions is a subject of contention.
Statistical Realities and Concerns
According to statistical data, administrators, including principals, are more likely to face termination. However, this does not necessarily mean they are more financially impacted by it. If principals are fired, they can typically reclaim their status as teachers, thereby maintaining their income.
An additional concern is the perceptive shortage of administrators, with a particular scarcity of principals. This situation is exacerbated by the personal reasons teachers often leave their jobs, such as seeking a nicer school or higher salary. In states without unions, the only way to get a raise is to move to a different district. Beyond tenure, teachers are locked into a salary schedule based on years of experience and level of education, which levels off around the 15th year, with minimal additions to cost of living.
Impact on Administrators
The scenario of a principal losing their position and returning to the regular teacher ranks is a prevalent one. In most school systems, the ratio of regular teachers to full principals is high. For example, in many schools, there are at least twenty teachers for every principal, with additional assistant principals or vice principals present. Terminating a principal is not particularly challenging, especially if they lack a reason to be rehired.
In most states or systems, a principal's tenured tenure as a teacher does not prevent the board from terminating them. Unless a district wishes to fire a principal for cause, a terminated administrator is entitled to return to a teaching position.
Conclusion
The assumption that teachers are more frequently fired than principals is a misconception. While teachers enjoy a higher level of job security, administrators face the possibility of being dismissed more readily. The system is designed to ensure that both roles have their unique challenges and benefits, protecting the integrity of the education system.