Published: February 1, 1996

Letters

Teacher Tenure

The two young teachers you profile in your cover story "Tenure on Trial'' [January] need to feel that the work they are doing will help them foster stable and meaningful careers in education. I am certain that they do not care as much about tenure as they do about being valued, rewarded, and offered a place to grow in the field. Tenure seems to be the only way that one can attain those intangibles.

Your article reinforced to me that if education is to attract talented people, then leaders must become committed to fostering growth and development for those who deserve it. Tenure may not be the best solution, but it cannot be dismissed as a crutch for teachers if it is not replaced with a process that rewards...