The Virginia legislators seem to be running a contest to see who can think up the most ways to screw Virginia public school educators. Currently, Virginia teachers, after a 2 year probationary period, become eligible for a continuing contract. Teachers still can be fired on continuing contract but not without an administrator dotting all the i’s and crossing all the t’s. The due process is very specific. Of course there are other ways to instantly remove a teacher for criminal activity or fiduciary impropriety.
The Richmond Times Dispatch reports:
RICHMOND, Va. —
The House of Delegates today passed 55-43 an overhaul of the public school teacher and principal contract and evaluation system.
The plan would phase out a tenure-like system in favor of term contracts.
The measure would make it easier for school divisions to fire teachers. The plan, which was a centerpiece of Gov. Bob McDonnell’s education agenda, drew opposition from advocates for teachers.
Those not familiar with how evaluation in public school works might be misguided and think that this is a good thing. No. Not really. Nothing is more subject to politics than public education and teacher evaluations. Kissing the right asses is always important on the job but for teachers it will become critical. Throw in the fact that seasoned teachers are more experienced and therefore cost more and you have a very dangerous situation for veteran teachers. If a jurisdiction needs to save money, fire all the expensive veteran teachers. It won’t matter in the long run because the parents can all be duped into thinking that experience and know-how really don’t matter.
