By Jessica Calefati/The Star-Ledger
Tony Kurdzuk/The Star-LedgerState Senator Teresa Ruiz is shown in a 2010 file photo. Last week, Ruiz announced amendments to the bill that eliminate a section that would have stripped teachers of their seniority rights when budget cuts require school districts to layoff staff.
TRENTON — A bill that would overhaul the state’s century-old teacher tenure law and link the job protection to annual performance evaluations for the first time will be considered today by lawmakers in the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.
The legislation (S1455) comes more than a year after state Sen. Teresa Ruiz (D-Essex) began researching the topic and meeting with education stakeholders.
Last week, Ruiz announced amendments to the bill that eliminate a section that would have stripped teachers of their seniority rights when budget cuts require school districts to layoff staff.
Under current law, teachers with the fewest years of experience are always given pink slips before their veteran colleagues, but the practice that can force districts to eliminate some of their most talented young staff members. Ending this practice, which some call ‘last in, first out,’ has been a priority of Gov. Chris Christie.
The bill would also require all first year teachers to participate in a one year mentorship. To earn tenure, the bill would require teachers to earn positive evaluations two out of three years. Teachers who earn negative evaluations two out of three years would lose the job protection, according to the bill.
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