{"id":355027,"date":"2016-04-04T10:45:19","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:45:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/education\/teachers-rights.html"},"modified":"2024-12-10T17:43:09","modified_gmt":"2024-12-10T22:43:09","slug":"teachers-rights","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/education\/teachers-rights.html","title":{"rendered":"Teachers&#8217; Rights"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-page-articles fl-section-main fl-section-main-full-width\">\n        <div\n    data-testid=\"fl-general-title\"\n    class=\"fl-general-title fl-flex fl-gap20 fl-items-end\"\n>\n    <div class=\"fl-general-title-heading fl-flex fl-flex-column\">\n        <h1\n            class=\"fl-h1 fl-general-title-title fl-no-spacing\"\n            data-testid=\"fl-general-title-title\"\n        >\n            Teachers&#8217; Rights\n        <\/h1>\n        <p\n            class=\"fl-general-title-description fl-text-xl fl-no-margin\"\n            data-testid=\"fl-general-title-description\"\n        >\n            Teachers have the same basic rights as others. They are afforded the right to be free from discrimination, the right to free speech, and the right to academic freedom without undue restrictions.\n        <\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<section class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline\">\n    <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-content\">\n                    By <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/jade-yeban-j-d\/\">Jade Yeban, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by <a\n                href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/joseph-fawbush-esq\/\">Joseph Fawbush, Esq.<\/a>\n                | Last reviewed\n        <time>\n                            December 10, 2024\n                    <\/time>\n    <\/div>\n\n    \n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-legally-reviewed\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Legally Reviewed\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/company-history\/editorial-policy.html\">our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-fast-checked\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Fact-Checked\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/contributing-authors.html\">contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/?fli=bylinelink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n<\/section>\n<p>Teachers&#8217; rights are an essential part of our education system. They help create a fair and balanced atmosphere for both educators and students. They&#8217;re often a topic of discussion in Board of Education meetings.&nbsp;Educators, like other employees, also have the right to bargain through unions collectively.<br>\r\n<\/p>\r\n<p>This section includes articles on the process of joining a teachers&#8217;&nbsp;union and resolving union conflicts. Also included are articles on contracts, tenure, dismissal, and much more.<\/p>\r\n\n<div\n    class=\"fl-category-overview\"\n    data-testid=\"fl-category-overview\"\n>\n    <div\n        class=\"fl-accordion fl-category-overview-container\"\n        id=\"category-overview\"\n        data-testid=\"fl-accordion\"\n    >\n                    <div\n               class=\"fl-accordion-item fl-category-overview-item\"\n               id=\"section-1-category-overview\"\n               aria-labelledby=\"button-1-category-overview\"\n               data-testid=\"fl-accordion-item\"\n            >\n                <h2\n                    class=\"fl-accordion-header fl-flex fl-items-center fl-justify-between fl-no-margin\"\n                    data-testid=\"fl-accordion-header\"\n                >\n                    <button\n                        id=\"button-1-category-overview\"\n                        aria-label=\"Category 1 content\"\n                        aria-expanded=\"false\"\n                        aria-controls=\"section-1-category-overview\"\n                        class=\"fl-accordion-button fl-flex fl-flex-auto fl-justify-between\"\n                        type=\"button\"\n                    >\n                        Teachers&#8217; Rights and Duties\n                        <span aria-hidden=\"true\">\n                            <i\n                                class=\"fa fa-angle-down small\"\n                                aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                            ><\/i>\n                        <\/span>\n                    <\/button>\n                <\/h2>\n                <div\n                    class=\"fl-accordion-content\"\n                    data-testid=\"fl-accordion-content\"\n                    id=\"content-1-category-overview\"\n                >\n                    <ul class=\"fl-no-margin fl-list\">\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-control-list-item fl-flex\">\n                            <div class=\"fl-list-control-container\">\n                                <i\n                                    class=\"fa fa-angle-right small\"\n                                    aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                                ><\/i>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"fl-list-control-text\">\n                                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/education\/teachers-rights\/teachers-rights-tenure-and-dismissal.html\" class=\"fl-list-item-link\">\n                                    <span>Teachers&#039; Rights: Tenure and Dismissal<\/span>\n                                <\/a>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/li>\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-control-list-item fl-flex\">\n                            <div class=\"fl-list-control-container\">\n                                <i\n                                    class=\"fa fa-angle-right small\"\n                                    aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                                ><\/i>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"fl-list-control-text\">\n                                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/education\/teachers-rights\/teachers-rights-state-and-local-laws.html\" class=\"fl-list-item-link\">\n                                    <span>Teachers&#039; Rights: State and Local Laws<\/span>\n                                <\/a>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/li>\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-control-list-item fl-flex\">\n                            <div class=\"fl-list-control-container\">\n                                <i\n                                    class=\"fa fa-angle-right small\"\n                                    aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                                ><\/i>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"fl-list-control-text\">\n                                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/education\/teachers-rights\/teacher-duties-outside-of-job-description.html\" class=\"fl-list-item-link\">\n                                    <span>Teacher Duties Outside of Job Description\u200b<\/span>\n                                <\/a>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/li>\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-control-list-item fl-flex\">\n                            <div class=\"fl-list-control-container\">\n                                <i\n                                    class=\"fa fa-angle-right small\"\n                                    aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                                ><\/i>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"fl-list-control-text\">\n                                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/education\/teachers-rights\/teachers-and-social-media-rights-and-responsibilities.html\" class=\"fl-list-item-link\">\n                                    <span>Teachers and Social Media: Rights and Responsibilities<\/span>\n                                <\/a>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/li>\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-control-list-item fl-flex\">\n                            <div class=\"fl-list-control-container\">\n                                <i\n                                    class=\"fa fa-angle-right small\"\n                                    aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                                ><\/i>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"fl-list-control-text\">\n                                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/education\/teachers-rights\/teachers-rights-contracts.html\" class=\"fl-list-item-link\">\n                                    <span>Teachers&#039; Rights: Contracts<\/span>\n                                <\/a>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/li>\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-control-list-item fl-flex\">\n                            <div class=\"fl-list-control-container\">\n                                <i\n                                    class=\"fa fa-angle-right small\"\n                                    aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                                ><\/i>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"fl-list-control-text\">\n                                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/education\/teachers-rights\/teacher-certification.html\" class=\"fl-list-item-link\">\n                                    <span>Teacher Certification<\/span>\n                                <\/a>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/li>\n                                            <\/ul>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                    <div\n               class=\"fl-accordion-item fl-category-overview-item\"\n               id=\"section-2-category-overview\"\n               aria-labelledby=\"button-2-category-overview\"\n               data-testid=\"fl-accordion-item\"\n            >\n                <h2\n                    class=\"fl-accordion-header fl-flex fl-items-center fl-justify-between fl-no-margin\"\n                    data-testid=\"fl-accordion-header\"\n                >\n                    <button\n                        id=\"button-2-category-overview\"\n                        aria-label=\"Category 1 content\"\n                        aria-expanded=\"false\"\n                        aria-controls=\"section-2-category-overview\"\n                        class=\"fl-accordion-button fl-flex fl-flex-auto fl-justify-between\"\n                        type=\"button\"\n                    >\n                        Teachers&#8217; Unions\n                        <span aria-hidden=\"true\">\n                            <i\n                                class=\"fa fa-angle-down small\"\n                                aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                            ><\/i>\n                        <\/span>\n                    <\/button>\n                <\/h2>\n                <div\n                    class=\"fl-accordion-content\"\n                    data-testid=\"fl-accordion-content\"\n                    id=\"content-2-category-overview\"\n                >\n                    <ul class=\"fl-no-margin fl-list\">\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-control-list-item fl-flex\">\n                            <div class=\"fl-list-control-container\">\n                                <i\n                                    class=\"fa fa-angle-right small\"\n                                    aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                                ><\/i>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"fl-list-control-text\">\n                                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/education\/teachers-rights\/teachers-unions-and-collective-bargaining-overview.html\" class=\"fl-list-item-link\">\n                                    <span>Teachers&#039; Unions and Collective Bargaining: Overview<\/span>\n                                <\/a>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/li>\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-control-list-item fl-flex\">\n                            <div class=\"fl-list-control-container\">\n                                <i\n                                    class=\"fa fa-angle-right small\"\n                                    aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                                ><\/i>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"fl-list-control-text\">\n                                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/education\/teachers-rights\/teachers-unions.html\" class=\"fl-list-item-link\">\n                                    <span>Teachers&#039; Unions<\/span>\n                                <\/a>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/li>\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-control-list-item fl-flex\">\n                            <div class=\"fl-list-control-container\">\n                                <i\n                                    class=\"fa fa-angle-right small\"\n                                    aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                                ><\/i>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"fl-list-control-text\">\n                                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/education\/teachers-rights\/teacher-s-unions-and-collective-bargaining-joining-a-union.html\" class=\"fl-list-item-link\">\n                                    <span>Joining a Teachers&#039; Union<\/span>\n                                <\/a>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/li>\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-control-list-item fl-flex\">\n                            <div class=\"fl-list-control-container\">\n                                <i\n                                    class=\"fa fa-angle-right small\"\n                                    aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                                ><\/i>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"fl-list-control-text\">\n                                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/education\/teachers-rights\/teacher-s-unions-and-collective-bargaining-resolving-conflicts.html\" class=\"fl-list-item-link\">\n                                    <span>Resolving Conflicts with Teachers&#039; Unions<\/span>\n                                <\/a>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/li>\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-control-list-item fl-flex\">\n                            <div class=\"fl-list-control-container\">\n                                <i\n                                    class=\"fa fa-angle-right small\"\n                                    aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                                ><\/i>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"fl-list-control-text\">\n                                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/education\/teachers-rights\/teacher-s-unions-collective-bargaining-state-and-local-laws.html\" class=\"fl-list-item-link\">\n                                    <span>State and Local Teachers&#039; Union Laws<\/span>\n                                <\/a>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/li>\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-control-list-item fl-flex\">\n                            <div class=\"fl-list-control-container\">\n                                <i\n                                    class=\"fa fa-angle-right small\"\n                                    aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                                ><\/i>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"fl-list-control-text\">\n                                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/education\/teachers-rights\/teachers-unions-and-collective-bargaining-the-u-s-constitution.html\" class=\"fl-list-item-link\">\n                                    <span>Teachers&#039; Unions and Collective Bargaining: The U.S. Constitution<\/span>\n                                <\/a>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/li>\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-control-list-item fl-flex\">\n                            <div class=\"fl-list-control-container\">\n                                <i\n                                    class=\"fa fa-angle-right small\"\n                                    aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                                ><\/i>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"fl-list-control-text\">\n                                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/education\/teachers-rights\/teacher-s-unions-and-collective-bargaining-higher-education.html\" class=\"fl-list-item-link\">\n                                    <span>Teachers&#039; Unions and Collective Bargaining in Higher Education<\/span>\n                                <\/a>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/li>\n                                            <\/ul>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<h2>Overview of Teachers&#8217; Rights<br>\r\n<\/h2>\r\n<p>Teachers have several rights and protections that are common to all employees. They also have rights specific to the teaching profession.<\/p>\r\n<p>The rights of teachers include:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>First Amendment rights, including freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and freedom of expression and association<\/li>\r\n<li>Academic freedom<\/li>\r\n<li>The right to collective bargaining in a <a title=\"Teachers&#039; unions\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/education\/teachers-rights\/teachers-unions.html\">teachers&#8217; union<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li>Protection from discrimination<\/li>\r\n<li>Rights related to disabilities<\/li>\r\n<li>The right to due process for termination and tenure<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>These rights shape every teaching career. Whether you are a tenured educator or <a title=\"Teacher Certification\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/education\/teachers-rights\/teacher-certification.html\">seeking your teaching license<\/a>, knowing your rights is essential.<\/p>\r\n<p>Teachers&#8217; rights and duties can vary between public schools, private schools, and <a title=\"Higher Education Student and Teacher Rights and Responsibilities\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/education\/higher-education\/student-and-teacher-rights-and-responsibilities.html\">higher education<\/a>.&nbsp;Teachers and education job applicants should understand how these rights protect them.<\/p>\r\n<h2>Teachers&#8217; Right to Free Speech<br>\r\n<\/h2>\r\n<p>Teachers&#8217; rights to free speech have been a contentious issue throughout history. In the United States, the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/constitution.findlaw.com\/amendment1.html\" title=\"The First Amendment\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">First Amendment to the Constitution<\/a>&nbsp;plays a major role. It protects freedom of speech for all people, including&nbsp;teachers. But as&nbsp;teachers are public employees,&nbsp;their speech rights in the school context are not absolute.<\/p>\r\n<p>In the landmark 1969&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/caselaw.findlaw.com\/court\/us-supreme-court\/393\/503.html\" title=\"Tinker v. Des Moines (1969)\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><i>Tinker v. Des Moines<\/i><\/a>&nbsp;case, the Supreme Court held that students do not shed their constitutional rights at the school gate. The ruling also&nbsp;acknowledges that school officials may limit speech in some situations. If the speech&nbsp;disrupts the educational process or infringes on the rights of others, it can be limited. The application of this principle to the rights of teachers continues to be a significant part of education law.<\/p>\r\n<p>This balance creates a complex landscape for free speech. Schools must allow teachers to express their thoughts and opinions, but the concept of academic freedom has limits. The content taught by a teacher must be relevant to and consistent with the teacher&#8217;s responsibilities. A teacher cannot promote a personal or political agenda in the classroom.<\/p>\r\n<p>In their duties in school, a teacher should consider the age, experience, and grade level of the students. The court will use these factors to determine the latitude of academic freedom given to the teacher. School administrators also must maintain an effective, respectful, and inclusive learning environment.<\/p>\r\n<h3>Freedom of Expression<\/h3>\r\n<p>A leading case in First Amendment jurisprudence on protected forms of expression is&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/caselaw.findlaw.com\/court\/us-supreme-court\/391\/563.html\" title=\"Pickering v. Board of Education (1968)\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><i>Pickering v. Board of Education<\/i><\/a><i>&nbsp;<\/i>(1968). This case involved&nbsp;a teacher who lost his job when he wrote an editorial in the local newspaper critical of his employer. The Supreme Court held that the school had restricted the First Amendment rights of the teacher. The teacher was directed to speak on issues of public importance. The court reversed the dismissal of this teacher.<\/p>\r\n<p>Based on&nbsp;<i>Pickering<\/i>&nbsp;and similar cases, there are some restrictions on the right to freedom of expression by teachers. Teachers may not make intentional or reckless&nbsp;false statements, nor can they disrupt the educational interests of the school district. Teachers also cannot undermine authority or adversely affect working relationships at the school.<\/p>\r\n<h3>Freedom of Association<\/h3>\r\n<p>Like rights to freedom of expression, public school teachers enjoy rights to freedom of association. This comes from the First Amendment&#8217;s provision that grants citizens the right to peaceful assembly.<\/p>\r\n<p>In general, these rights&nbsp;permit public school teachers to join professional, labor, or similar organizations, run for public office, and enjoy other&nbsp;similar forms of association. However, teachers may have to ensure that participation in these activities is&nbsp;independent of their responsibilities to the school.<\/p>\r\n<h3>Freedom of Religion<\/h3>\r\n<p>The First Amendment and&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/employment\/employment-discrimination\/title-vii-of-the-civil-rights-act-of-1964-equal-employment.html\" title=\"Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964\">Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964<\/a>&nbsp;protect against religious discrimination by school districts against teachers. Teachers may exercise their religious rights, but&nbsp;there are certain restrictions to such rights. This existence of restrictions is particularly relevant to public schools because public schools can&#8217;t teach religion through the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment.&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p>So, for example, a teacher can be a practicing Christian, but the teacher can&#8217;t preach Christianity in the classroom.<\/p>\r\n<h2>Academic Freedom<\/h2>\r\n<p>Teachers must stick to the curriculum, but&nbsp;they have certain freedoms from undue restrictions on content or discussions. Teachers are given free speech rights under the First Amendment, but&nbsp;they may not promote their personal or political agendas. This is not protected speech in this setting.<\/p>\r\n<h2>Teachers&#8217; Freedom From Discrimination<\/h2>\r\n<p>Teachers are protected from discrimination based on race, gender, and age. Discrimination based on disability or national origin is also prohibited. The&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/constitution.findlaw.com\/amendment14.html#:~:text=No%20State%20shall%20make%20or,equal%20protection%20of%20the%20laws.\" title=\"Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment<\/a>&nbsp;protects teachers at public schools.&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p>These forms of discrimination are also barred through the enactment of&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/employment\/employment-discrimination\/title-vii-of-the-civil-rights-act-of-1964-equal-employment.html\" title=\"Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964\">Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964<\/a>. This Act was amended in 1972 to include educational institutions. This law provides that it is an unlawful employment practice for any employer to discriminate against an individual. Prohibited discrimination is based on race, gender, age, disability, and national origin.<\/p>\r\n<h3>Protection from Sexual Harassment<\/h3>\r\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www2.ed.gov\/about\/offices\/list\/ocr\/docs\/tix_dis.html\" title=\"Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 - ED.gov\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972<\/a>&nbsp;provides more protections. This law protects against discrimination based on sex at educational institutions. Titles VII and IX also prohibit sexual harassment in the workplace. This protection is a cornerstone of education law. It ensures that all teachers receive fair treatment in public schools, regardless of their sex or background. School administrators and school officials must provide equal opportunities for all teachers.<\/p>\r\n<h3>Protection From Discrimination Based on Age<\/h3>\r\n<p>Age-related rights for teachers ensure protection against discrimination for older educators. These rights ensure that teachers, who are often experienced teachers, are not unfairly targeted because of their age. This is&nbsp;considered in matters of teacher employment, promotion, or termination.<\/p>\r\n<p>The&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/employment\/employment-discrimination\/equal-employment-opportunity-age-discrimination.html\" title=\"Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967\">Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967<\/a>&nbsp;protects teachers over 40 against age discrimination. Under this act, age may not be the sole factor when a school district terminates the employment of a teacher. If a teacher charges a school district with age discrimination, the school district has the burden to show that some factor other than age influenced its decision.<\/p>\r\n<h3>Protection From Discrimination Based on Pregnancy<\/h3>\r\n<p>Pregnancy rights in teaching protect educators from discrimination. This discrimination is based on pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. The&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/employment\/employment-discrimination\/pregnancy-discrimination.html\" title=\"Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978\">Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978<\/a>&nbsp;protects teachers who are pregnant. Under this act, a school district cannot dismiss or demote a pregnant teacher based on their pregnancy. A district can&#8217;t deny a job or promotion to a pregnant teacher based on their pregnancy.<\/p>\r\n<p>Public schools must provide reasonable accommodations and cannot unfairly penalize pregnant teachers. These rights ensure that teachers can continue their professional duties and&nbsp;do so without compromising their health or family responsibilities.<\/p>\r\n<h3>Teachers&#8217; Discrimination Claims<\/h3>\r\n<p>A teacher who faces discrimination has several causes of action, but&nbsp;proof in some of these cases may be difficult to show. A teacher may bring a cause of action under&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/us\/title-42-the-public-health-and-welfare\/42-usc-sect-1983\/\" title=\"Section 1983 of Title 42 of the United States Code\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Section 1983 of Title 42 of the United States Code<\/a>. They can do this for deprivation of rights under the Equal Protection Clause&nbsp;or other constitutional provisions.<\/p>\r\n<p>To succeed under a Section 1983 cause of action, the teacher needs to prove that the school had the deliberate intent to discriminate. A teacher bringing a claim under Title VII also has obstacles to overcome. They must show that the reasons given by a school for an employment decision were false. They also must show that discrimination was the actual reason for the decision and its effect on the teacher.<\/p>\r\n<h2>Teachers&#8217; Rights Related to Disabilities<\/h2>\r\n<p>Teachers have rights when it comes to disabilities. Under education law, schools must make reasonable accommodations for teachers with disabilities. This is aimed at providing them with an equal opportunity to succeed in their profession.<\/p>\r\n<h2>Teachers&#8217; Right to Privacy<\/h2>\r\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/torts-and-personal-injuries\/invasion-of-privacy.html\" title=\"Invasion of Privacy\">Privacy rights<\/a>&nbsp;for teachers protect items like personal information, communication, and personal life. Teachers can expect a reasonable degree of privacy, but&nbsp;this is limited in the school setting. For instance, schools may check email or <a title=\"Teachers and Social Media: Rights and Responsibilities\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/education\/teachers-rights\/teachers-and-social-media-rights-and-responsibilities.html\">social media use<\/a> if it relates to the school environment.<\/p>\r\n<p>Teachers&#8217; conduct outside of school can also be subject to scrutiny. This is true only if the conduct significantly impacts their professional role or the school&#8217;s reputation.<\/p>\r\n<p>Courts will often support disciplinary action taken by a school district when a teacher&#8217;s private life affects the integrity of the school district or the effectiveness by which a teacher can teach. For example, a teacher may get fired from their position for such acts as adultery or other sexual conduct outside marriage. Courts are hesitant to overrule the decisions of the school board.<\/p>\r\n<h2>Teachers&#8217; Right To Due Process of Law<\/h2>\r\n<p>Another crucial area of teachers&#8217; rights involves the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/constitution.findlaw.com\/amendment5\/annotation05.html#:~:text=It%20protects%20a%20person%20from,going%20through%20the%20court%20system.\" title=\"Due Process\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">due process of law<\/a>. Due process is another constitutional right.<\/p>\r\n<p>As public employees, teachers have the right to fair procedures about their employment statuses.&nbsp;<span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">If a school district wants to fire a teacher, they must show a valid reason. They must also give that teacher a chance to defend themselves. It ensures that decisions are fair and just.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<h3>Due Process of Dismissal<\/h3>\r\n<p>Before a district can fire a public school teacher, school officials must give notice. They should&nbsp;give <a title=\"Tenure and Dismissal\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/education\/teachers-rights\/teachers-rights-tenure-and-dismissal.html\">grounds for dismissal<\/a><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\"> and&nbsp;also allow the teacher to respond.<\/span><br>\r\n<\/p>\r\n<p>Most state laws have tenure statutes that protect public school teachers from arbitrary termination. This means the district must show cause before dismissing a teacher. In addition,&nbsp;these laws typically require that certain procedures be followed. This includes a hearing at which the teacher may defend against these claims.<br>\r\n<\/p>\r\n<p>These rights vary across state lines due to <a title=\"Teachers&#039; Rights state and local laws\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/education\/teachers-rights\/teachers-rights-state-and-local-laws.html\">different state laws<\/a>. For instance, New York grants tenured teachers the right to a formal hearing before they can lose their jobs. This law ensures that teachers are not&nbsp;removed from their positions for arbitrary or unfair reasons.<\/p>\r\n<h3>Teaching Tenure<\/h3>\r\n<p>Despite some confusion, tenure does not provide indefinite employment. Rather, it removes the &quot;at-will&quot; aspect of employment for teachers who have achieved tenure.<\/p>\r\n<p>Even with tenure, assuming all proper procedures are followed, a teacher may be dismissed for incompetence, dereliction of duty, immoral conduct, conviction of a crime, insubordination, fraud, and other such reasons.<\/p>\r\n<h2>Teachers&#8217; Right to Collective Bargaining<\/h2>\r\n<p>Teachers can also join any lawful group or union. Teachers have the right to <a title=\"Collective Bargaining Overview\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/education\/teachers-rights\/teachers-unions-and-collective-bargaining-overview.html\">collective bargaining<\/a>. This process allows teachers to <a title=\"Teacher&#039;s Unions and Collective Bargaining: Resolving Conflicts\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/education\/teachers-rights\/teacher-s-unions-and-collective-bargaining-resolving-conflicts.html\">negotiate with school administrators<\/a> or the school board. They can negotiate about matters like pay, benefits, and working conditions.<\/p>\r\n<p>Collective bargaining is a crucial part of education policy. It helps create better schools with happier teachers. Yet, some <a title=\"Collective Bargaining State and Local Laws\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/education\/teachers-rights\/teacher-s-unions-collective-bargaining-state-and-local-laws.html\">state governments<\/a> have undermined teacher unions&#8217; rights to collectively bargain.<\/p>\r\n<h2>Teaching Contracts<\/h2>\r\n<p><a title=\"Teachers&#039; Contracts\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/education\/teachers-rights\/teachers-rights-contracts.html\">Teachers&#8217; rights and contracts<\/a> go hand in hand in the high school setting and the entire school system. These contracts outline the rights and <a title=\"Teacher Duties Outside of Job Description\u200b\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/education\/teachers-rights\/teacher-duties-outside-of-job-description.html\">responsibilities of teachers<\/a>. They also help secure the rights that are essential to the teaching profession.<\/p>\r\n<p>The&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/business-contracts-forms\/contract-law.html\" title=\"Contract Law\">general law of contracts<\/a>&nbsp;rules contracts between teachers and school districts. Under these laws, a contract must include an offer, acceptance, mutual assent, and consideration. Yet, contracting within the context of schools has some important distinctions.<\/p>\r\n<p>The school board may need to ratify a contract before it becomes binding. Even if a school hires a teacher, the contract is not final until the school district ratifies it. But, some teachers have successfully argued that the provisions of a teacher&#8217;s handbook amount to a contract. This allows them to enforce terms against the school.<\/p>\r\n<h2>Teachers&#8217; Rights in Private Schools<\/h2>\r\n<p>The legal rights of teachers in&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/education\/education-options\/types-of-schools-private-and-parochial-school.html\" title=\"Types of School - Private and Parochial\">private schools<\/a>&nbsp;can differ significantly from those in public schools. In general, private school teachers do not enjoy the same level of constitutional protection since&nbsp;private institutions are not considered government entities. Rights to free speech and due process may not extend to teachers in these situations.<\/p>\r\n<h2>Limits on Teachers&#8217; Rights<\/h2>\r\n<p>Teachers&#8217; freedoms are not unlimited. A court decision can decide that a teacher&#8217;s speech disrupted the education program. Or, they can allege they affected the well-being of students. This can lead to certain restrictions.<\/p>\r\n<p>This balance between teachers&#8217; rights and maintaining a safe learning environment is complex. Supreme Court cases and lower courts continue to challenge this subject. This balance between teacher rights and safety in school continues to shape education law jurisprudence.<\/p>\r\n<h2>Understanding Teachers&#8217; Rights<\/h2>\r\n<p>Every teacher&#8217;s rights, from New Jersey to Louisiana and everywhere else,&nbsp;must be respected&nbsp;regardless&nbsp;of where they teach. These rights contribute significantly to the quality of public education,&nbsp;protect teachers&#8217; interests,&nbsp;and benefit the students they instruct. Every court decision and every change in education policy is a new chapter in the ongoing story of teachers&#8217; rights.<\/p>\r\n<div class=\"was-this-helpful\">\n    <div\n            class=\"was-this-helpful__question-container\"\n            aria-labelledby=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n            role=\"group\"\n    >\n        <span\n                id=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__question fl-text-lg-bold\"\n        >Was this helpful?<\/span>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"Yes\"\n                value=\"yes\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">Yes<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <g id=\"thumbs-up\" 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fill=\"white\"><\/rect>\n                        <\/clipPath>\n                    <\/defs>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/i>\n        <\/button>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"No\"\n                value=\"no\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">No<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <g id=\"thumbs-down\" clip-path=\"url(#clip0_604_3423)\">\n                        <path id=\"Vector\"\n                              d=\"M16 0.999995H18.67C19.236 0.989986 19.7859 1.18813 20.2154 1.55681C20.645 1.9255 20.9242 2.43905 21 3V10C20.9242 10.5609 20.645 11.0745 20.2154 11.4432C19.7859 11.8119 19.236 12.01 18.67 12H16M9.00003 14V18C9.00003 18.7956 9.3161 19.5587 9.87871 20.1213C10.4413 20.6839 11.2044 21 12 21L16 12V0.999995H4.72003C4.2377 0.994543 3.76965 1.16359 3.40212 1.47599C3.0346 1.78839 2.79235 2.22309 2.72003 2.7L1.34003 11.7C1.29652 11.9866 1.31586 12.2793 1.39669 12.5577C1.47753 12.8362 1.61793 13.0937 1.80817 13.3125C1.99842 13.5313 2.23395 13.7061 2.49846 13.8248C2.76297 13.9435 3.05012 14.0033 3.34003 14H9.00003Z\"\n                              stroke=\"#666666\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/>\n                    <\/g>\n                    <defs>\n                        <clipPath id=\"clip0_604_3423\">\n                            <rect width=\"22\" height=\"22\" fill=\"white\"\/>\n                        <\/clipPath>\n                    <\/defs>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/i>\n        <\/button>\n    <\/div>\n    <span class=\"was-this-helpful__taken-action fl-text-sm-bold\"><\/span>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-container\">\n        <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n            <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n        <\/div>\n        <form class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form\">\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback was-this-helpful__feedback--positive\">\n                <fieldset>\n                    <legend class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--understandable\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Easy to understand\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--understandable\"\n                        >Easy to understand<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--solved-problem\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Solved my problem\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--solved-problem\"\n                        >Solved my problem<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback was-this-helpful__feedback--negative\">\n                <fieldset>\n                    <legend class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this not helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n                        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Missing Information\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                        >Missing the information I need<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Too complicated\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                        >Too complicated \/ too many steps<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Out of date\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                        >Out of date<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__form-buttons-container\">\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--positive at-feedback-submit fl-button secondary\"\n                    type=\"submit\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Submit<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--cancel fl-button primary disabled\"\n                    type=\"reset\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Cancel<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-times-circle medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/form>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message\" role=\"status\">\n        <i class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-icon fa fa-check\"><\/i>\n        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-text\" aria-live=\"polite\"><\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-section-sidebar\">\n        <div class=\"fl-editors-summary\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content\">\n                    <h2>Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?<\/h2>\n                <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\">\n            \n        <\/div>\n        <ul class=\"fl-list-style-none\">\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    You generally need a lawyer&#8217;s help to sue a school\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    School rules and regulations can be contested in court\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    Civil rights and discrimination issues are a large part of education law\n\n                <\/li>\n                    <\/ul>\n                    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\">\n                <p>Education legal issues can span Title IX concerns, discrimination cases, civil rights offenses, and teachers&#8217; rights. An attorney can help prevent common mistakes with your case.<\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-link fl-flex\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-link\">\n                <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                <p class=\"find-attorney\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/education-law\/#USER_GEO\/?fli=esum:FL15\" title=\"Search Top Lawyers Near You\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Find a local attorney<\/a><\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n    <div class=\"popularDirectory\">\n        <div class=\"general-popular-directory \">\n            <div class=\"general-popular-directory-title\">\n                <h3>Attorney Directory<\/h3>\n            <\/div>\n            <ul>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/education-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Education Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/litigation-appeals\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Litigation and Appeals Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/administrative-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Administrative Law Attorneys<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/state-local-municipal-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">State, Local, and Municipal Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/discrimination\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Discrimination Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/immigration-naturalization-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Immigration Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/government-agencies-programs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Government Agencies and Programs Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                            <\/ul>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n\n    <\/div>\n<\/div><div class=\"popularRecent\">\n    <div class=\"row popular-recent\">\n        <h2 class=\"popular-recent-title\">Looking for More Information?<\/h2>\n        <div class=\"popular-recent-item\">\n            <div class=\"popular-recent-item-image\">\n                <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://www.findlaw.com/static/c/images\/images\/w_1200,c_limit,dpr_auto\/f_auto,q_auto:eco\/v1745849290\/ability-law\/wp-prod\/general-components-popular-recent-popular\/general-components-popular-recent-popular.svg?_i=AA\"\n                    alt=\"\">\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"popular-recent-item-content\">\n                <h3>Popular Law Articles<\/h3>\n                <ul class=\"fl-list\">\n                                            <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                            <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                            <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/education\/teachers-rights\/teachers-rights-tenure-and-dismissal.html\">Teachers&#8217; Rights: Tenure and Dismissal<\/a>\n                        <\/li>\n                                            <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                            <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                            <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/education\/teachers-rights\/teachers-rights-contracts.html\">Teachers&#8217; Rights: Contracts<\/a>\n                        <\/li>\n                                            <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                            <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                            <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/education\/teachers-rights\/teachers-rights-state-and-local-laws.html\">Teachers&#8217; Rights: State and Local Laws<\/a>\n                        <\/li>\n                                            <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                            <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                            <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/education\/teachers-rights\/teachers-unions-and-collective-bargaining-overview.html\">Teachers&#8217; Unions and Collective Bargaining: Overview<\/a>\n                        <\/li>\n                                            <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                            <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                            <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/education\/teachers-rights\/teacher-certification.html\">Teacher Certificates<\/a>\n                        <\/li>\n                                    <\/ul>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"popular-recent-item\">\n            <div class=\"popular-recent-item-image\">\n                <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://www.findlaw.com/static/c/images\/images\/w_1200,c_limit,dpr_auto\/f_auto,q_auto:eco\/v1745849421\/ability-law\/wp-prod\/general-components-popular-recent-recent_12960fdca\/general-components-popular-recent-recent_12960fdca.svg?_i=AA\"\n                    alt=\"\">\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"popular-recent-item-content\">\n                <h3>Most Recent Law Articles<\/h3>\n                <ul class=\"fl-list\">\n                                            <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                            <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                            <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/education\/teachers-rights\/teacher-duties-outside-of-job-description.html\">\n                                Teacher Duties Outside of Job Description\u200b\n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/li>\n                                            <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                            <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                            <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/education\/teachers-rights\/teacher-s-unions-and-collective-bargaining-resolving-conflicts.html\">\n                                Teacher&#8217;s Unions and Collective Bargaining: Resolving Conflicts\n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/li>\n                                            <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                            <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                            <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/education\/teachers-rights\/teacher-s-unions-and-collective-bargaining-higher-education.html\">\n                                Teacher&#8217;s Unions and Collective Bargaining: Higher Education\n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/li>\n                                            <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                            <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                            <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/education\/teachers-rights\/teachers-unions-and-collective-bargaining-overview.html\">\n                                Teachers&#8217; 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