The Legal Rights and Responsibilities of Teachers: Issues of Employment and Instruction

Abstract

Preface Acknowledgments About the Authors 1. Introduction: The Historical and Legal Foundations of Public Education Introduction A Brief History of Public Education in America Legal Fundamentals of Education Summary and Recommendations Frequently Asked Questions What's Next Endnotes 2. School Governance and the Teacher Introduction The Role of the Federal Government State Education Agencies Local School Boards School Finance and Use of Property Summary and Recommendations Frequently Asked Questions What's Next Endnotes 3. Basic Constitutional Rights and Freedoms Introduction First Amendment Rights Privacy Due Process Summary and Recommendations Frequently Asked Questions What's Next Endnotes 4. Employment Terms and Conditions Introduction Teacher Certification or Licensure Privacy Rights of Teachers Salaries and Terms of Employment Leaves of Absence Teacher Evaluations Resignations Summary and Recommendations Frequently Asked Questions What's Next Endnotes 5. Collective Bargaining Introduction Historical Background Bargaining Units and Their Composition Union Rights Dispute Resolution Summary and Recommendations Frequently Asked Questions What's Next Endnotes 6. Prohibitions Against Employment Discrimination Introduction Race, Color, Ethnicity, or National Origin Gender Religion Disability Age Genetic Information Retaliation Affirmative Action Summary and Recommendations Frequently Asked Questions What's Next Endnotes 7. Teacher Discipline, Dismissal, and Due Process Introduction Tenure Rights Progressive Discipline and Dismissal of Teachers Reduction in Force Summary and Recommendations Frequently Asked Questions What's Next Endnotes 8. Curricular and Instructional Issues Introduction Control of the Curriculum and Academic Freedom Student Records Copyright Law Using Technology in the Classroom Special Education and Programs for English Language Learners Summary and Recommendations Frequently Asked Questions What's Next Endnotes 9. Tort Liability Introduction Definitions and Types of Torts Educational Malpractice Civil Rights Violations Summary and Recommendations Frequently Asked Questions Endnotes Resource A: Court Systems and the Authority of Courts Functions and Duties of the Courts Organization of the Federal Court System State Courts Court Jurisdictions Resource B: Legal Resources and References Laws and Regulations Court Decisions Understanding Legal Citations Resource C: Basic Legal Research: Maintaining Currency in an Evolving Legal Environment Keeping Abreast of Legal Developments Useful Education Law Websites Glossary of Terms, Acronyms, and Abbreviations Index