MO HB628

Repeals the Teacher Tenure Act (effective July 1, 2012) and replaces it with the Teacher Continuing Contract Act, establishing a new system for teacher employment contracts in Missouri school districts.

Creates a tiered contract system where teachers receive probationary one-year contracts initially, then continuing contracts lasting 2-4 years based on performance evaluation scores in four tiers (tier 1 receives 4-year contracts, tier 4 receives 1-year contracts).

Requires comprehensive performance-based teacher evaluations at least annually, with 50% based on student performance and 50% based on teaching standards developed under section 160.045.

Implements performance-based pay structure where tier 4 teachers receive minimum salary, tier 3 receives at least 10% more, tier 2 receives at least 25% more than tier 3, and tier 1 receives at least 60% more than tier 2.

Specifies termination grounds for continuing contract teachers including unsatisfactory performance, physical/mental unfitness, immoral conduct, violation of school laws, excessive absences, and felony convictions; allows districts to place teachers on leave due to enrollment decline or financial hardship with certain salary protections.