Teacher Tenure Act
The Teacher Tenure Act, which was passed by the General Assembly in 1937, Act 52 of 1937 (P.L. 213) is located in 24 P.S. §§ 11-1121 through 11-1133. After its passage the act was challenged in the courts in several different actions. In 1938, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court issued an opinion upon appeals that established the constitutionality of the act as well as its application to the school districts. These cases are referred to as The Teacher Tenure Cases, 329 Pa. 213; 197 A. 344 (1938). The Supreme Court succinctly summarized the purpose of the legislature:
The Teachers' Tenure Act was designed to secure to the citizens of Pennsylvania a competent and efficient school system by preventing dismissal of capable teachers without just cause. It is clear that the legislature did not intend, as appellants contend, that the Act should confer any special privileges or immunities upon the teachers themselves to retain permanently their positions regardless of merit or the future policy of the legislature as to their employment.
197 A. at 355. The sections of the act have been amended several times following its passage. The most recent amendments were by Act 16 of 1996 to §§ 11-1121, 11-1122, and 11-1123.
Public School Code 24 P.S. §§ 11-1121 through 11-1133
Regulations of the State Board of Education Chapter 237 of 22 PA Code