Free Preview: lessons 1 to 3 of every course and extra, in every grade. No account, no ads. See this year’s offers
Goal100™LEARNING

← Teacher Center · For teachers

Teacher Center

Your rights and responsibilities

What the law gives you and what it asks of you, in short, with the official source for each point. Ask your union rep or district for your local details.

General information, not legal advice. Your district's evaluation plan, its Code of Conduct and your union contract decide the details for you. When something matters for your job, ask your building union representative and your district (principal, human resources or the special education / ENL office). Facts here were checked Nov 7, 2026 from the official sources listed at the bottom.

1. Your evaluation rights

  • Know your plan. STEPS plans must be posted on the district website. Ask your principal or union rep which plan covers you (NYSED).
  • §3012-d plans: at least two observations a year (one by your supervisor, one by an impartial independent trained evaluator, one unannounced) and an appeal process.
  • STEPS plans (§3012-e): ratings Level 1-4 on each NYS Teaching Standard and overall; timely, actionable feedback; formal professional growth support every year; the right to give written comments on your review (in addition to any appeal your contract has).
  • Trained evaluators: evaluators must be trained before they evaluate you (both systems).

2. Improvement plans (TIP) and support plans

Improvement plans
§3012-d§3012-e (STEPS)
Who gets oneTeachers rated Developing or IneffectiveTeachers rated Level 1 or Level 2
WhenDeveloped and started by October 1 of the next school year, or as soon as practicable afterIssued and started by October 1 of the next school year
What is in itAreas that need improvement, a timeline, how improvement will be measured, and support activities where appropriateAreas for growth, the support the district gives, measurable goals and timelines
BargainingDeveloped by the superintendent or designee, subject to collective bargaining where requiredPart of the locally bargained STEPS plan

Tip: a plan is support, not a punishment. Ask for specific, measurable goals, named supports (a mentor, a coach, visits to other classrooms), check-in dates, and written notes after each check-in. Bring your union rep to meetings about the plan if your contract allows.

8 NYCRR §30-3.11 · NYSED STEPS guidance (checked Nov 7, 2026).

3. Tenure basics

  • Probation: classroom teachers appointed on or after July 1, 2015 serve a four-year probationary period. It can be shorter: three years if you already had tenure in another New York district and were not dismissed, and credit (to a minimum of two years) for up to two years of satisfactory service as a regular substitute (Education Law §3012).
  • Tenure decision: the superintendent recommends teachers found "competent, efficient and satisfactory"; the board of education decides.
  • After tenure: you can be removed only for cause, after a hearing. Keeping your certification is part of keeping your job.
  • Ratings and tenure: NYSED says overall evaluation ratings are no longer required for tenure under current law; your contract or appointment letter may still mention them (NYSED).

Deer Park UFSD is a union free school district; Education Law §3012 covers districts other than city school districts. Confirm your exact dates with district human resources (checked Nov 7, 2026).

Tenure timeline (classroom teachers appointed on or after July 1, 2015)

Year 1Probationary appointment. Evaluations and support.
Year 2Probation continues.
Year 3Probation continues. (Ends here if you had tenure in another NY district and were not dismissed.)
Year 4Last probationary year.
DecisionSuperintendent recommends teachers found "competent, efficient and satisfactory"; the board of education votes.
TenureRemoval only for cause, after a hearing (Education Law §3020-a).

Example with made-up dates Ms. V is appointed Sept. 1, 2023 with no earlier service. Four years later, her probation ends around Aug. 31, 2027, so her tenure decision is expected before then. If she had served 2 years as a regular substitute in that district first, up to 2 years could count (probation can be no shorter than 2 years). If she had tenure in another NY district and was not dismissed, probation would be 3 years. Confirm your exact dates with HR in writing.

4. Your union and contract

Your union contract (collective bargaining agreement) sets many details the state leaves local: observation procedures, planning time, class coverage, appeals, and more. Get a copy from your building union representative or the district, and ask your rep before you sign anything about your evaluation, discipline or an improvement plan. You can ask to have your rep present at investigatory or disciplinary meetings, as your contract and law allow. Ask your rep how this works in your district.

Your contract, explained: sections, salary schedules and where contracts are posted →

5. Flowcharts: discipline hearing and grievances

Education Law §3020-a hearing (tenured teachers), overview

From NYSED's "Rights of tenured educators" summary for charges filed on or after July 1, 2015. Your contract may set a different procedure; NYC has its own rules. Not legal advice: call your union rep right away.

  1. Board finds probable cause by majority vote. Charges must generally be brought within 3 years of the alleged conduct (crimes excepted).
  2. You receive written charges, the maximum penalty sought and a rights form. You may be suspended while it is pending; suspension without pay is limited to certain cases set by law.
  3. You request a hearing in writing to the board clerk or secretary.Within 10 days of receiving charges
    No request: hearing waived; the board decides within 15 days.
    Request made: the clerk notifies the Commissioner within 3 business days.
  4. Hearing officer chosen from an American Arbitration Association list.Parties agree within 15 days, or the Commissioner appoints
  5. Pre-hearing conference (private).Within 10-15 days after the hearing officer accepts
  6. Hearing: witnesses under oath, cross-examination, subpoenas. You may testify but cannot be forced to.Generally done within 60 days of the conference; all evidence within 125 days of filing charges
  7. Written decision: findings on each charge and any penalty (reprimand, fine, unpaid suspension or dismissal).Within 30 days of the last hearing day
  8. Board carries it out within 15 days. Either side may appeal to State Supreme Court (CPLR §7511).Appeal within 10 days of receiving the decision

Shorter "expedited" timelines apply to some charges (for example, a revoked certificate or alleged abuse of a student). See NYSED's summary.

Grievance: a common pattern

There is no single state grievance procedure for teachers; your contract sets the steps, who hears each one and the deadlines. This chart shows a common pattern only, not any one contract.

  1. Talk informally with your supervisor (bring your rep if you like), if your contract has an informal step.
  2. Step 1: written grievance to the principal or supervisor.Contract deadline (often counted in days from the event)
  3. Step 2: appeal to the superintendent or designee.
  4. Step 3: appeal to the board of education, in some contracts.
  5. Arbitration: in many contracts the union (not the individual teacher) decides whether to take it to a neutral arbitrator.

Example with made-up rules A made-up contract says Step 1 must be filed within 20 school days. Mr. W loses a prep period to coverage on Oct. 6 with no coverage pay. Counting 20 school days (skipping a day off on Oct. 12, made up), his deadline is about Nov. 4. He writes down the date, the period and the class, and gives it to his rep the same week.

Missing a deadline can end a grievance. Write down dates the day things happen.

6. Mandated reporting of suspected child abuse or maltreatment

Deadline: November 17, 2026. All mandated reporters must complete NYSED's Second Updated Child Abuse Identification and Reporting workshop (about two hours; focus on children with intellectual or developmental disabilities), even if you took training before. If you took mandated reporter training between Nov 1, 2022 and Aug 31, 2025, NYSED lists a 15-minute addendum taken with the same provider. Only NYSED-approved providers count; the provider reports completion to your TEACH account (check the Workshops section). NYSED (checked Nov 7, 2026).
  1. You are a mandated reporter. Teachers are named in Social Services Law §413. You must report when you have reasonable cause to suspect abuse or maltreatment. You do not need proof.
  2. Report yourself, right away. Call the NYS Statewide Central Register (SCR) immediately (Social Services Law §415). Use the mandated reporter number from your training or your school's posted procedure.
  3. Tell the person in charge too. You must also immediately notify the person in charge of the school (or their designee). The school cannot require you to get permission or give notice before you report.
  4. Written report within 48 hours on form LDSS-2221A to the local child protective services, after the phone report.
  5. Don't investigate. Listen, write down the child's words and what you saw, keep it private, and follow your school's procedure.

Mandated reporting, as a flowchart

  1. You have reasonable cause to suspect abuse or maltreatment. You do not need proof. Do not investigate.
  2. Call the Statewide Central Register (SCR) yourself.Immediately
  3. Tell the person in charge of the school (or designee). They cannot require permission before you report.Immediately
  4. Written report on form LDSS-2221A to local child protective services.Within 48 hours of the call

SSL §413 · SSL §415 · OCFS · NYSED second update notice (checked Nov 7, 2026). Many districts also require a short yearly refresher; ask your building.

7. Dignity for All Students Act (DASA)

  • Report: if you see harassment, bullying (including cyberbullying) or discrimination, or a student tells you about it, tell the principal, superintendent or their designee (your school's Dignity Act Coordinator) orally within one school day, then file a written report within two school days after that. Report what you see even if no one complains.
  • Protected categories include race (including hair texture and protective hairstyles), color, weight, national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious practice, disability, sexual orientation, gender (including gender identity or expression) and sex. Bullying of any student is covered.
  • Your Dignity Act Coordinator (DAC): every school names at least one. Find out who it is in September.
  • Training: all school employees get DASA training. For certification, NYSED requires a DASA workshop of at least six clock hours from an approved provider.

DASA reporting, as a timeline

Day 0You see harassment, bullying or discrimination, or a student tells you.
Within 1 school dayTell the principal, superintendent or designee (Dignity Act Coordinator) orally.
Within 2 more school daysFile the written report.

Example with made-up dates A student tells you on a Thursday. Tell the DAC by Friday (1 school day). The written report is due within 2 school days after the oral report: by the following Tuesday if Monday and Tuesday are school days.

NYSED DASA · DASA information guide · DASA certification workshop (checked Nov 7, 2026).

8. Student data privacy (FERPA and Education Law 2-d)

  • FERPA (federal): parents can see their child's education records and ask for corrections, and have a say in who receives identifiable information from those records. These rights pass to the student at 18 (U.S. Dept. of Education).
  • Education Law §2-d (New York): protects students' personally identifiable information (PII). Every district publishes a Parents' Bill of Rights for Data Privacy and Security (NYSED).
  • Use only approved apps. NYSED says educators should make sure the platforms they use are approved by their district, and that "click wrap" agreements (accepting terms to use an app) are covered by Education Law 2-d (NYSED FAQ). Never sign up students for a new app on your own.
  • Annual training: districts must give yearly data privacy and security training to employees with access to PII (8 NYCRR §121.7).
  • Daily habits: lock your screen; no student names or grades in personal email, personal cloud or AI tools not approved by the district; don't post class links publicly; share information only with staff who need it for their job.

9. Code of Ethics for Educators

Code of Ethics
PrincipleIn short (our words)
1Nurture each student's full growth and respect every student's dignity.
2Keep a challenging, well-prepared classroom with clear behavior expectations.
3Keep learning your subject and your craft, from colleagues, students and research.
4Collaborate with colleagues and other agencies for students.
5Partner with families and the community; protect confidential information; be fair.
6Act with honesty and integrity; be a trusted role model.

The Code is a guide; NYSED says it is not used as a basis for discipline by employers or the department (NYSED Code of Ethics, checked Nov 7, 2026).

10. Certification, CTLE and required trainings

Trainings
WhatRuleSource
CTLE hours100 clock hours in each five-year registration period, for holders of a Professional classroom teaching certificate (also Professional educational leadership, Level III TA and Professional TA certificates). One requirement per educator, no matter how many certificates.NYSED CTLE
Language acquisition part of CTLE15% of the 100 hours for most Professional teachers; 50% for Professional ESOL certificate and Bilingual Extension holders.NYSED table
Who is exemptHolders of only Permanent certificates (and some other titles listed by NYSED) do not have the CTLE requirement.NYSED CTLE
RecordsKeep CTLE records at least three years after the end of the registration period. You don't send them in, but NYSED can ask.NYSED CTLE
Mandated reporter workshopRequired for certification; Second Update due for all mandated reporters by Nov 17, 2026.NYSED
DASA workshopAt least six clock hours, approved provider, required for certification.NYSED
Data privacy trainingYearly, given by your district.8 NYCRR §121.7

Other workshops may apply to your certificate. Check your TEACH account and the NYSED certification pages (checked Nov 7, 2026).

Full guide: certificates, registration, CTLE and a printable CTLE log →

11. Questions to bring to your union rep or district

  1. Which evaluation plan covers me this year, and where is it posted?
  2. When does my probationary period end, and what date is my tenure decision expected?
  3. How do I add written comments or appeal my evaluation?
  4. Who is our Dignity Act Coordinator, and what is our mandated reporting procedure and phone number?
  5. Which apps and websites are approved for students under Education Law 2-d?
  6. What counts as CTLE in our district, and how is it recorded?
  7. How much co-planning time is in the contract for ICT and Integrated ENL teams?

Sources

  1. NYSED: Overview of requirements, §3012-d plans compared with §3012-e (NYS-STEPS) plans (PDF) (checked Nov 7, 2026)
  2. NYSED: Requirements and Guidance for Designing a NYS-STEPS Plan (PDF) (checked Nov 7, 2026)
  3. 8 NYCRR §30-3.11, Teacher or principal improvement plans (Justia copy of the regulation) (checked Nov 7, 2026)
  4. NY Education Law §3012, Tenure: certain school districts (NY Senate) (checked Nov 7, 2026)
  5. NYSED: Child Abuse Identification and Reporting (Mandated Reporter) Workshop (checked Nov 7, 2026)
  6. NYSED Office of Teaching Initiatives: Second Update, Child Abuse Identification Workshop (checked Nov 7, 2026)
  7. NY Social Services Law §413, Persons required to report (NY Senate) (checked Nov 7, 2026)
  8. NY Social Services Law §415, Reporting procedure (NY Senate) (checked Nov 7, 2026)
  9. NYS Office of Children and Family Services: Child Protective Services (checked Nov 7, 2026)
  10. NYSED: The Dignity for All Students Act (checked Nov 7, 2026)
  11. NYSED: Dignity Act information guide (PDF) (checked Nov 7, 2026)
  12. NYSED: DASA training workshop for certification (checked Nov 7, 2026)
  13. U.S. Department of Education: What is FERPA? (checked Nov 7, 2026)
  14. NYSED: Parents' Bill of Rights for Data Privacy and Security (checked Nov 7, 2026)
  15. NYSED: Data privacy FAQ (click-wrap agreements, approved platforms) (checked Nov 7, 2026)
  16. 8 NYCRR §121.7, Training for educational agency employees (Justia copy of the regulation) (checked Nov 7, 2026)
  17. NY Education Law §2-d (NY Senate) (checked Nov 7, 2026)
  18. NYSED: Code of Ethics for Educators (PDF) (checked Nov 7, 2026)
  19. NYSED: Continuing Teacher and Leader Education (CTLE) (checked Nov 7, 2026)
  20. NYSED: CTLE the rule text (8 NYCRR §80-6.3) (checked Nov 7, 2026)
  21. NYSED: Rights of tenured educators, Education Law §3020-a procedures for charges filed on or after July 1, 2015 (PDF) (checked Nov 7, 2026)
  22. NY Education Law §3020-a, Disciplinary procedures and penalties (NY Senate) (checked Nov 7, 2026)

Teacher Center · written for New York State teachers · last checked Nov 7, 2026. Robert Frost Middle School and Deer Park UFSD do not publish every local procedure online, so always confirm local steps with your building.