Teacher layoffs based only on seniority fail kids.

I came across an editorial that discusses the way that teachers are being laid off.  Thousands of teachers are falling on the chopping block and the big debate is "who goes first?". Teacher tenure is a century old system designed to keep teachers from being dismissed arbitrarily.  This system was mainly developed to keep administrators from firing teachers who make a higher salary and to protect those who were subject to discrimination. It is now spurring debates as school districts are facing major cut backs to narrow the budget deficit.  The question arising in states all over America is "Do we allow teachers who have put in their time to have job security regardless of their performance?"  Currently in many districts, including AISD, the newest teachers are the first to get the ax.  Concerns arise as young, energetic teachers who have contributed significantly are let go from their positions solely because of the time they have put in, or lack thereof.  In the mean time, a few older teachers who may not be as excited about their job are just doing their time until they can retire.  Evaluations and recent teacher performance are not considered when doing this type of lay off.  So who suffers?  The children and families in the community.  Ways to revamp the system are being considered in several states.  Performance based systems are becoming more widely considered.  The author of the editorial thinks that "seniority rules should be coupled with effective teacher evaluation systems, which are sorely lacking." I strongly agree with this opinion.  As a mother, I want to be sure that the teachers who are directly responsible for my children's education are there because they want to be and not because they are merely waiting for retirement.  I do believe that older, more experienced teachers are a huge asset to our schools and they should be valued, but the bottom line is if you aren't happy in the classroom you shouldn't be there.