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Teachers Association Opposes New Tenure Elimination Proposal

By: Monte Schisler, News Director
Posted: Friday, January 20, 2012

The Missouri State Teachers Association is fighting back against a proposal to do away with tenure for public school teachers in the state.

As reported on HometownDailyNews.com earlier this week, an initiative petition was filed with the Secretary of State’s office calling for a constitutional amendment that would eliminate tenure if approved by voters inMissouri.  The proposal would also bar school districts from using seniority as a factor in firing or promoting teachers

MSTA Spokesman Todd Fuller says teachers play a vital role in educating students and must be protected from arbitrary terminations to do their jobs properly:

Todd Fuller 2012A134    

Supporters of the proposed constitutional amendment have to gather approximately 150-thousand petition signatures by May 6th, and have them verified by the Secretary of State, before the question can be placed on the November ballot. 

A bill to end teacher tenure and institute a merit pay system for public school teachers was filed in the state legislature last year, but failed to gain approval.

=====(2nd Version)=====

The Missouri State Teachers Association says it needs to educate the public on tenure for public school teachers, before a proposed constitutional amendment makes it on the ballot this fall for voters to decide. 

As reported on HometownDailyNews.com earlier this week, an initiative petition was filed with the Secretary of State’s office calling for a constitutional amendment that would eliminate tenure if approved by voters inMissouri. 

MSTA Spokesman Todd Fuller says backers of the idea don’t have a strong grasp on how tenure works in Missouri. He says teachers work on yearly contracts, and are guaranteed due process.

Todd Fuller 2012A135  

Supporters of the proposed constitutional amendment have to gather approximately 150-thousand petition signatures by May 6th, and have them verified by the Secretary of State, before the question can be placed on the November ballot. 

The Missouri State Teachers Association sent an email this week to its member teachers, asking them to help educate the public, and answer any questions parents may have.

=====(3rd Version)=====

The Missouri State Teachers Association says it needs to educate the public on tenure for public school teachers, before a proposed constitutional amendment makes it on the ballot this fall for voters to decide. 

As reported on HometownDailyNews.com earlier this week, an initiative petition was filed with the Secretary of State’s office calling for a constitutional amendment that would eliminate tenure if approved by voters in Missouri. 


DLR - 01/20/2012 6:15:32 AM
If they would get rid of the teachers union, and get rid of the tenure system, we would have a much better education system.
LisaG - 01/20/2012 7:55:03 PM
My family has both teachers and administrators in it. I understand the teacher's position of wanting tenure, but why should they be allowed what no other job holder is allowed? My own children have had teachers that had no business teaching, but it is nearly impossible to let them go because of tenures and unions. What is best for the student? Great teachers, who inspire our students to learn, not those clinging to a job because of tenure.
BH - 01/22/2012 7:50:39 AM
I totally agree! Tenure should be done away with! Some tenured teachers need to go! I wish I could have a job and not do it well! Some of these teachers know they can't be fired so they do little or no teaching and belittle their students!