50-State Comparison: Teacher Employment Contract Policies

Teacher employment contract policies can impact teacher compensation and benefits, performance evaluations and retention. These are key issues for state policymakers amid growing teacher activism and an emphasis on quality instruction. States have implemented policies that address continuing contract provisions, the nonrenewal or termination of teacher contracts, reduction-in-force protocols and collective bargaining rights.

This resource provides a national comparison of teacher employment contract policies in all states. All of the information was gathered from and focused on state statutes and regulations. State case law was also utilized for metrics related to collective bargaining. Data collection focused specifically on policy that addresses teacher employment contracts. This does not include criminal code and may not include policy related to teacher licensure or misconduct.