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

"Now teachers have an absolute desk-reference that could be called 'How to Stay in the Classroom and Out of the Courtroom!'" (John Casper, District Achievement Gap Coordinator 2010-05-27)

"A clear understanding of rights and obligations allows teachers to approach their jobs with confidence, and will allay any fears based on rumor or misconceptions of the law."

(Karen L. Fernandez, Teacher 2010-05-27)

"Reading this book is the next best thing to taking a class on educational law. It could well serve as the resource for such a class!" (Deanna Brunlinger, Science Teacher 2010-05-27)

"Uses real-world applications and issues to apply legal concepts and tested decisions to the entire educator environment. Chapters are packed with legal references and anotations for further research and clarifications." (James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief 2011-11-18)

Most teacher education programs offer little, if any, instruction on Education Law. Consequently, teachers (in general) are not well-versed in the intricacies of the law as it applies to their own employment and their responsibilities as instructors. In light of this dearth of information about law by most teachers, this book is designed as an easy-to-read, practical manual that addresses the key legal issues that teachers confront on a daily basis. While many books on the market are aimed at school administrators, few are designed primarily for teachers. Those that are, tend to be overly broad in scope. This book, then, intends to help fill that gap by providing a concise, practical guide that specifically targets the areas of the law that are of most concern to teachers.

In the employment context, the book intends to present information about teacher certification, employment, tenure, evaluation, and dismissal along with issues related to collective bargaining and teacher contracts. The book will also review the constitutional rights of teachers, including freedom of speech and religion. In addition, the book plans to provide information on how teachers can avoid liability when dealing with discrimination and harassment based on race, ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, or disability, regardless of whether it is at the hands of supervisors, peers, or students.

In the instructional domain the book is designed to explore the rights and responsibilities teachers have in the instructional process. This will include topics such as what can and cannot be taught, academic freedom, methodology, grading policies, student records, and copyright law. Information will be provided about tort liability and the teacher's responsibilities regarding the safety and well-being of his or her students as well as his or her own protections from defamation and rights of self-defense.