Running head: TEACHERS RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES 1

Artifact #2 Teachers Rights and Responsibilities

Karen Gonzalez
EDU 210-001
TEACHERS RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES 2
Abstract
This paper is about Freddie Watts, principal, Jimmy Brothers, assistant principal, of a

predominately black High School, both administrators are African American and Ann Griffin, a

white tenured teacher that works in the high school. Ms. Griffin, Mr. Watts and Mr. Brothers got

into a heated conversation she stated that she hated all black folks. It caused negative reactions

among colleagues. Mr. Watts dismissed Ms. Griffin for concerns regarding her ability to treat

students fairly, her judgment and competency as a teacher. In this paper I had to find the rulings

in the case and argue both points of view. It also discusses what a tenured teacher is and their

rights for being a tenured teacher.

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The principal Freddie Watts has the right to recommend dismissal on Ann Griffin a

tenured teacher for concerns regarding her ability to treat students fairly and her judgment and

competency as a teacher. A school must show cause in order to dismiss a teacher who has

attained tenure status. Teacher's certificate may be revoked for immoral or unprofessional

conduct, unfitness for service, physical or mental incapacity, conviction of a crime involving

moral turpitude or sex offenses, advocacy of the overthrow of the government, persistent refusal

to obey rules, or breach of a teaching contracts. Teachers may be dismissed or suspended on

similar grounds. In this case Ann Griffin would be dismissed for Unprofessional Conduct for

being racially intolerant.

Most states protect teachers in public schools from dismissal through tenure statutes.

Once a teacher has attained tenure, their contract renews automatically each year. School

districts may dismiss tenured teachers only by a showing of cause, after following such

procedural requirements as providing notice to the teacher, specifying the charges against the

teacher, and providing the teacher with a meaningful hearing. A tenured teacher also has

protection against demotion, salary reductions, and other discipline. It does not guarantee that a

teacher may retain a particular position, such as a coaching position, nor does it provide

indefinite employment. Ann Griffin may not be dismissed for the lack of evidence and Ms.

Griffin had the right of freedom of speech

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References
Teacher Dismissal - Articles. (n.d.). Find your legal rights, legal Information, law for common
legal issues including lawyers for legal advice or legal help to your legal issues. Retrieved April
3, 2011, from http://public.findlaw.com/education/teacher_dismissal.html