Friday, April 06, 2012

Missouri NEA issues action alert on teacher tenure bill

As noted yesterday in The Turner Report, the Missouri Senate will vote Tuesday on a bill that would double the time it takes for teachers to receive tenure from five to 10 years. MNEA issued the following action alert today:

The Senate gave first round approval (Perfection vote) to a new SS version of SB 806 (Jane Cunningham) on April 5 by a voice vote. The SS eliminates qualification and experience as factors in decisions regarding reduction in force and changes the probationary period for teachers from five to ten years.  

The bill will probably be brought up for final passage (Third Reading vote) by roll call when the Senate returns from Easter Break on April 10.  Senators are being pressured to vote for this harmful bill by holding other positive bills with broad support hostage to the passage this harmful attack on Missouri's teachers.

The Association strongly opposes the bill. SB 806 does nothing to help students or teachers.  The bill just undermines a fair dismissal procedure that is working and leaves more teachers subject to arbitrary termination.

Where districts face challenges with under-performing teachers, the real issue to address is establishing a quality evaluation system that provides teachers with feedback and support in improving performance and addressing concerns.  

Instead of damaging or repealing tenure, Missouri NEA supports a requirement that districts establish a strong and effective evaluation system, as contained in SB 654, filed by Sen. Brad Lager.


ACTION NEEDED:  Your help is needed! Please call, write or e-mail to urge your state senator to oppose SS/SCS/SB 806. The following link will connect you to the MNEA Legislative Action Center Action Alert on SS/SCS/SB 806.

Type in your zip code and the alert will automatically be directed to your state senator.  The Action Alert contains a brief summary and a brief, editable message box to help you send an email to your state senator on the issue.   

YOUR MESSAGE WILL HAVE A GREATER IMPACT IF YOU PERSONALIZE THE MESSAGE AND ADD YOUR OWN CONCERNS REGARDING THE BILL.

http://www.capwiz.com/nea/mo/issues/alert/?alertid=61150361&type=ST

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