For a college professor or, in some cases, a primary or secondary school teacher, tenure is effectively a permanent job contract. Individuals who have demonstrated their teaching abilities, conducted meaningful research, published papers, and aided their educational institutions serving on committees or developing policies are given tenure. A teacher must usually work for between two and seven years before being eligible for tenure. A tenured teacher cannot lose his or her job without good reason, such as obvious incompetence or serious misconduct. Tenured teachers are given the freedom to pursue any research or interests they want, even if they are unpopular or contrary to authority.
A teacher must demonstrate competence and achieve results both in and out of the classroom for at least six years at most universities and colleges. He or she must excel as a teacher, delivering relevant content and ensuring that students have every opportunity to succeed. A prospective professor is also expected to write papers and conduct research in his or her field. For example, a biology instructor seeking tenure may be expected to spend significant time in the school’s laboratories conducting experiments and independent research, publishing scientific papers about important findings, and becoming an active participant in local and global scientific organizations.
A person seeking tenure at a university usually participates in academic committees in addition to publishing papers and teaching courses. An instructor might concentrate on departmental issues like creating new courses and graduation requirements, obtaining books and supplies, and organizing curricula. He or she may also collaborate with a board of directors to make decisions about university policies and procedures, financial matters, and other issues. When tenured positions become available, instructors who have done the most for their schools and students are usually given them.
Successful instructors may be granted tenure in as little as two or three years in primary and secondary schools that support teacher tenure programs. After completing a probationary period during which their performance is evaluated administrators and school superintendents, non-college teachers in public institutions have the opportunity to gain tenure. New teachers who demonstrate their abilities during their probationary period are eligible for tenure and job security.
When a teacher is given tenure, he or she usually signs a contract with the school district stating that he or she cannot be fired without cause. He or she can conduct research, write papers, and deliver lectures on a variety of topics and viewpoints. Tenured teachers are not in danger of being fired, even if authorities, students, professors, or the general public disagree with their actions. However, if a professor fails to provide adequate education to students or blatantly violates university, local, or federal laws, he or she may lose his or her job. Tenured teachers who maintain their personal and academic integrity in their field of expertise usually have long, respected, and rewarding careers.