What is the Difference Between Non-Tenure and Tenure Track Faculty?

A tenure track faculty member is one who was hired as an employee with the expectation of receiving tenure within a few years, ensuring his or her employment for the rest of his or her career. This individual would have to work on a trial basis while the school assesses his or her teaching abilities. Criteria will be established the schools to determine whether or not the faculty member will be asked to stay on as a tenured employee. This period of probation usually lasts five to six years, after which a tenured position is offered. Once tenure is granted, the employee will have a high level of job security because the school will be unable to fire him or her without cause.

Many employers in the education field have offered their professional employees the opportunity to start their careers as tenure track faculty members since the early 1900s. The tenure track system was created with the intention of retaining high-quality teachers and professors in order to improve the educational environment. The idea was that if a teacher or professor was given tenure, he or she would be more likely to stay with the school or university indefinitely. Educators believed that this would provide their schools with higher-quality teachers who would be more committed to the school and create long-term programs.

A non-tenure track employee is one who is hired without the expectation of receiving a tenured position in the future. Typically, these employees are hired for a specific amount of time and are given a contract with an end date. These contracts can be renewed, and the employee can continue to work, but the school is under no obligation to do so. Non-tenure track employees are frequently hired the school for a specific task, such as establishing a program or teaching a unique class.

The distinction between tenured and non-tenure track faculty is significant. Almost all professors and teachers used to be hired on the tenure track, but many schools and universities are abandoning this practice due to constant economic changes. Non-tenure faculty members are being hired at an increasing rate as educational institutions realize the financial benefits of doing so. The greatest benefit to the schools is that they will not have to pay as many benefits to non-tenured employees if they hire them as temporary or part-time employees. They will also not be obligated to keep the teacher or professor on staff, allowing them to shuffle around employees as needed.