Florida Moves Bill to Nix Teacher Tenure

Florida lawmakers Thursday moved forward a bill that will eliminate teacher tenure, and base pay on student performance, the Tampa Tribune reported Friday.

The measure passed the Republican-controlled state Senate, and heads to the House where it is expected to pass. Gov. Rick Scott has indicated he will sign the bill.

The bill is similar to one lawmakers passed last year, only to have then Gov. Charlie Crist veto it in the face of protests.

Retired Pinellas County teacher Jean Morris told the newspaper she support the changes, saying excellent teachers "know they don't need tenure."

She said tenure "provides a safe haven for teachers who should choose another profession," and the bill will "celebrate our best teachers, offer them recognition and rewards for the work they do every day."

State Sen. Stephen Wise, a Jacksonville Republican and a retired teacher who got credit for crafting the bill, echoed her sentiments.

"This bill ought to be a teacher's dream – to be able to get paid for student success, for the progress the student made," he said.