Due Process Rights: Teacher Dismissal

Basic procedural due process in disputes over the dismissal of teachers usually includes notice of intended actions, the right to some explanation for proposed adverse employment actions, and the dismissed individuals' rights to respond to the planned action. Teacher dismissals refers to the termination of employment contracts either during academic years for just cause or, for teachers with tenure, at the end of a given school year. Such employment actions are considered dismissals at the end of academic years, because tenure, sometimes referred to as continuing contract status, entitles teachers to an expectation of continuing employment from year to year. This entry discusses the evolution and application of due process in teacher terminations.

Reduction-in-force (RIF) is the term used when the basis for teacher dismissals deals ...