Highlights of Tenure Reform Package:

 Teachers are guaranteed a year of mentoring to begin their career.  They will earn tenure in four years, providing they have at least two ratings of “effective” or “highly effective” in the three years following the initial mentorship year.  Seniority rights are preserved, preventing districts from targeting experienced teachers for layoffs as a cost-saving measure.  Evaluations will be conducted by certified administrators.  Due process rights are protected, so that no tenured teacher can be fired without the opportunity for a hearing before a third-party arbitrator.  The cases are moved out of the courts.

Source: New Jersey Education Assoc.