There is some debate around the topic of tenure. Supporters of tenure argue that tenure serves as an incentive for educators to work harder. Those in opposition of tenure argue that tenure makes it more difficult to dismiss an educator for inappropriate actions. 

The topic of tenure can be a complex issue. School officials and administrators should carefully review all the necessary criteria regarding tenure to uphold school ethics. Pros and cons should be carefully weighed before a decision is made to keep or get rid of tenure. 

Pro: Educators obtain a higher degree of immunity. 

A tenured position grants educators with protection to teach materials that may be perceived as controversial. Educators can take more risks and worry less about dismissal from their role in the institution. 

However, there are limits and boundaries when it comes to tenure. Each institution has its own set of policies that describe what it is acceptable to conduct. In many ways, a tenure can encourage educators to assume more creative roles that may help students to learn better. 

Con: Tenure makes it difficult for educators to be dismissed. 

On the flip side, an educator with tenure may be able to get away with questionable behavior. Some policies regarding tenure make it difficult to determine if the educator’s actions warrant a dismissal. Other logistics in place also make the dismissal process more arduous for everyone involved. 

There is the idea that educators become lazier or entitled once they become tenured. To some extent, it is commonly observed that the quality of work that educators put forth diminishes. Once an educator becomes tenured, the incentive to work hard decreases. 

Pro: Educators can advocate for their students. 

Students may find themselves in troublesome situations on occasion. It can sometimes be difficult to determine if the student is in the right or wrong. Students do not possess the authority to plead their case in most instances without backlash. 

A tenured educator can argue in favor of the student without the fear of losing their job. If there is a good relationship between the educator and the student, then the outcome may favor the student. 

Con: Poor policies can lead to an easy tenured position. 

If the policies allow an educator to become tenured through questionable practices, then the quality of the teaching staff may suffer. Some facilities offer tenure in a short period of time. 

An educator must demonstrate their ability to contribute to a strong learning environment before the tenured position is offered. The benefit of a good educator is a solid education for the students. 

A tenured position is one of the greatest rewards an educator can earn and should be treated as such. The position should not be easy to obtain. If existing policies make it too easy to receive a tenured position, they should be revised immediately. 

Pro: A tenured position offers an educator more flexibility. 

Educators can express themselves more creatively without the fear of backlash from the school. It is acceptable for an educator to deviate from the original curriculum if it enhances the learning material. 

Without a tenured position, there is more pressure to stick to the rules. Educators that feel pressured to follow the standard curriculum may not feel compelled to teach in a creative manner. 

Con: Professors may introduce topics that are too controversial. 

An educator that chooses a more creative approach in their teaching style assumes more responsibility in some ways. Students come from many different backgrounds and it is difficult to know what is considered offensive. 

Educators should use their judgment and stay within ethical boundaries. Provocative material may encourage students to think outside the box, but it may also present some negative debate. 

Pro: A tenured position grants protection against financial decisions. 

Experienced educators cost less than new educators. The relatively low cost of labor expense makes tenured educators less of a financial commitment. 

Educators with a tenured position are seen as more valuable in the marketplace and are much less likely to receive deductions in their pay. There is less fear surrounding the idea of deductions from an educator’s pay. 

Con: Taxpayers are put at a greater risk. 

Elementary and secondary educators work in the public service sector. Therefore, their pay is funded by taxpayers. Educators who demonstrate a poor work ethic make it difficult for taxpayers to continue funding their career. 

If the quality of the educator is lower than what it should be, then taxpayers are the ones that have their money wasted. Officials outside of the school district must intervene if the educators are not meeting the standard of education set by the school. 

Intervention beyond the school can result in major policy changes surrounding tenure or eliminate tenure. Changes made to policies regarding tenure can influence the school’s curriculum as well. 

Pro: A tenured position prevents educators from false accusations 

No one is perfect and educators can possibly find themselves in controversial situations that may cost them their jobs. There are some policies regarding tenure that mitigate consequences or shorten the legal process. 

Educators with tenure have more authority and can bypass some legal actions. However, The extent of protection varies with each case. Expenses regarding legal protection may also be cheaper as part of the tenure reward. 

However, it is important to note that a tenured position does not grant complete immunity against all indecent behavior. Furthermore, removal from a tenured position can look very bad on future applications. 

Con: Educators with tenure may abuse their privileges. 

Educators may feel more empowered as a result of a tenured position and misuse their privileges as a result. There are many negative consequences that occur as a result of such privileges like inappropriate language and sexual misconduct. 

The misconduct of an educator can be insulting to taxpayers who fund an educator’s career. The consequences of an educator can have a ripple effect on many communities. 

Educators should carry the interest of everyone in their communities including students, faculty, and parents. Their role is crucial to the development of their students. Educators must have the education of their students as the highest priority in their assumed role.