Earning tenure is an important accomplishment. It means you can’t be fired without due process, and you’re entitled to a hearing if the Department of Education takes disciplinary action that could lead to termination.

It is important for teachers during their probationary period (which lasts four years and a day) to be proactive about communicating with the principal and staying on top of certification requirements.

First and foremost, find your tenure date by checking with your payroll secretary. You also may verify your tenure status by requesting a Comprehensive Employment Verification Report.

In New York City, tenure is granted in your license appointment area, which is why it is of utmost importance that your license code match the subject and level in which you are teaching. That information should be in the welcome letter you received from the DOE, or you can check with your school secretary.

There are two ways to reduce your probationary period: by Jarema credit or by “traveling tenure.”

Jarema credit allows you to reduce your probationary period by up to two years if you worked as a regular substitute in the same license and at the same school level.

Traveling tenure allows you to reduce your probationary period by one year if you received tenure in one license area and elect to take an appointment in a new license area or if you were tenured in another school district in New York State.

Tenure is not granted automatically at the end of your probationary period. To be granted tenure, you must:

• Be on track to complete all your state certification and city licensing requirements and receive certification.
• Have a record of acceptable service during your probationary period.
• Be recommended for tenure by your principal.

You should speak with your principal about what evidence they need to see in order to grant tenure. Tenure portfolios are no longer a requirement, but you will likely need to keep artifacts and documentation (either physically, in a binder, or digitally) over the probationary period. You’ll also need this documentation if you want to appeal an extension of probation.

If you are up for tenure and your principal asks you to agree to extend your probationary period, you should contact your chapter leader or a UFT representative to help ensure your rights are protected. Do not sign anything until you speak to the UFT.

In a new provision in the 2023 contract, the DOE must 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.

The UFT regularly offers tenure workshops. Check the UFT calendar for upcoming ones. If you don’t see one listed, ask your chapter leader. If you have any questions, contact the UFT at 212-331-6311.