Having tenure means you may not be disciplined or terminated without due process. As a tenured teacher, you have the right to a hearing before an independent arbitrator regarding any charges brought against you. These due process rights protect you from being fired for personal, arbitrary or political reasons.
Under New York State law, appointed teachers achieve tenure after completing a probationary period of usually four years and fulfilling all the requirements for a professional certificate. In New York City, tenure is granted in your license appointment area. Principals determine whether or not to make a tenure recommendation to the district superintendent, who officially grants tenure.