Tenure system hurts students, needs reform

The problem with CVHS is that it doesn’t provide information that students really need to know. I interviewed over 200 students the week before Winter Break and only one out of 15 knew what the tenure system was at school. Some of them gave me funny looks, perplexed at the word I had just told them, trying to figure out what it meant and then shaking their head, telling me they had no clue what tenure meant.

For this article, I searched high and low for opinions about the tenure system at our school. For you readers who do no know what the tenure system is, let me sum it up for you in a couple of sentences.

In California public schools, new teachers go though a two-year probationary period. At its end, they could be rehired or fired. If rehired, they become tenured at the beginning of their third year. The now-tenured teachers can only be fired for cause, such as serious violations including sexually abusing a student or showing up to class while intoxicated.

Now if you are here reading this and this is something you have heard for the first time, it’s not your fault. CVHS hasn’t educated any of its students about this topic. However, the education of the student population can be affected by the tenure system.

If you have ever had a teacher who you believe should be removed because he or she jeopardizes your education and future, continue reading on.

The tenure system allows a teacher to be well-protected from removal at a school. No matter how dispassionately or horribly a teacher teaches, a tenured teacher cannot be removed for petty reasons.

Another problem that has risen in my past experience is the age factor. When a teacher become old and loses his or her spark, they stay at the teaching job because they have nothing else to do. The teacher is high on the pay scale because they have been working at the school for a long time. Last year, I had a teacher who was here at CVHS just for the money. He insulted me every day, making fun of me in class while “teaching.” I told my counselor about this, but there was nothing I could do. I had no power. This teacher was protected by tenure but didn’t commit violations serious enough to be removed.

Now, I’m not here to completely complain about this thing. The concept of the system is wonderful; however, some things need to be adjusted in order for this thing to work properly. Tenure does help teachers who really do have a passion to teach generations of kids to carry on the burdens of the world. School is one of the biggest impacting places in a person’s life. A future can be molded and shaped for many students here at CVHS. All we need as students is the proper teaching and training to do so.

Now, to the administration and district officials here: why don’t you give us students a say in this? Instead of evaluating teachers only twice a year, do more evaluations every quarter. Don’t be concerned about time and money. You are here to lead students and teachers in the right direction. Don’t shy away from student feedback.

As a student body, we need to voice our opinions. We need to know about these issues and topics that affect us as a whole. Instead of just ranting about how horrible and sucky your teachers are, think about what you really have to say about them. Give legitimate reasons as to why you are saying what are you saying.

To all the teachers here at CVHS: be honest. Have integrity. Keep the passion you started teaching with and keep it going. Don’t give up on us students. If you feel like your time is up and you need to move on with life, do it.

Hopefully this article has educated you somewhat about the tenure system. I did my best do write all that I can on this page, but the rest is up to you. Voice your opinion and don’t be afraid.