What types of laws protect teachers who believe they have been unfairly treated by a school board, school superintendent, or other school official?

Many types of laws provide some protection for teachers. Many states have teacher tenure laws that prohibit school officials from arbitrarily taking adverse employment actions. Many teachers are also protected by a contract between the local teachers union and the applicable school authorities. These contracts are called collective bargaining agreements, and they spell out the legal parameters of the employment relationship. In addition, public school teachers have protections afforded by the U.S. Constitution. Both the Bill of Rights and the 14th Amendment protect individuals from unconstitutional infringements by governmental officials. School boards and school administrative officials qualify as such governmental actors. The Due Process Clause of the 14th Amendment provides that teachers cannot be deprived of a "liberty" or "property" interest without notice and a hearing. The First Amendment also provides protection for teachers who speak out on matters of public concern, as long ...  more