July 29, 1939: New Resolution Allows Married Female Teachers to Be Fired

July 29, 1939: The Berks County Executive School Board unanimously adopted a resolution endorsing a proposed amendment to the Pennsylvania Teacher Tenure Act that would allow district school boards in Pennsylvania to terminate female teachers who marry while under contract to their district. The amendment does not automatically apply to all married female teachers, but gives the board permission to fire a female teacher if she gets married.

Marriage is defined as an “additional occupation” in the amendment. And if the local school board decides that the “additional occupation” is detrimental to her performance, she can now be fired.

Additional causes for dismissal are provided for in the amendment: “insubordination,” “conduct unbecoming a professional employee,” or “elimination of courses because of fewer pupils.”

New teachers will be placed on a two-year probation, and the Tenure Act will not apply to their service until the probationary period has ended.

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