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White Plains educators awarded for outstanding service at tenure celebration

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White Plains City School District educators were recognized and rewarded for years of high-quality service to students at this year's tenure celebration yesterday evening, where 38 teachers were awarded with tenure. Teachers were highlighted with a video, showcasing their achievement and highlighting their teaching journey, before the Board of Education voted to approve tenure. 

Watch the video here: 

Candidates for tenure set up outside the auditorium at White Plains High School to present their tenure portfolios to their families and the White Plains community prior to the Board meeting. Teachers detailed their accomplishments and growth in the portfolios, highlighting their entire teaching journey that led them to this milestone. 

Superintendent Dr. Joseph Ricca and Acting Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources Dr. Tammy Cosgrove congratulated the teachers during the meeting, listing off just a few of their accomplishments during their time in the district. The Board of Education then voted to accept the recommendation of tenure.

“There is no more important job in the world than being an excellent teacher,” said Dr. Ricca in his remarks before the vote. “That doesn't mean you needed to go to college to get the degree to do it. We all serve in the role of teacher, if we're fortunate enough, in one way or another. But for those who chose to make teaching their life's profession, it is the most important job. Nobody else can do what they do, if these folks don't do what they do every day.”

In New York State, teachers can be recommended for tenure after completing their probationary period of four years. Teachers receive the recommendations based on their competency and efficacy during their probationary period. One of the protections that tenure provides is protecting teachers from reprisal for advocating for educational issues such as curriculum changes or program cuts.

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