The process for determining whether or not you will get tenure is rigorous, and tenure is not automatic at the end of the probationary period. You must: 1) be recommended for tenure by your principal; 2) be granted tenure by your superintendent; 3) have a record of acceptable service during your probationary period; and 4) be on track to complete all your state certification and city licensing requirements.
Tenure achievement is based on three milestones. Meeting these three milestones makes an individual eligible for tenure, but does not guarantee tenure. Principals will make their recommendation to the superintendent of the district, who will make the final determination.
Eligibility for tenure is based upon:
- Permanent or professional state certification: An individual must be appointed with a NYC license that matches their New York State Education Department (NYSED) permanent or professional certification. The school grade specified on the certification must match the level at which someone is appointed.
- Service evaluation: An individual's service throughout the entire probationary period preceding their tenure must demonstrate sustained effective or better performance. The DOE considers multiple measures to assess performance including, but not limited to, overall ratings.
- Principal recommendation to complete probation: An individual must successfully complete their probationary period, to their principal's satisfaction, before they can be considered for tenure.
As of the 2023 contract, the DOE will have to provide reasons, in writing, for the need to extend a UFT-represented employee’s probationary period if the employee makes a written request to their supervisor for an explanation. Principals can no longer extend someone’s probation without giving them any clue as to why.
Tenured educators may not be disciplined or terminated without due process and have the right to a hearing before an independent arbitrator regarding any charges brought against them. This due process right protects the employee from being fired for personal, arbitrary or political reasons.
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