Section 49-13-117 - Leaves of absence for teachers(a) If a teacher employed by an LEA makes a written request for an extended leave of absence to teach at a public charter school, the LEA may grant the leave. Any extensions are at the discretion of the LEA. The leave shall be governed by chapter 5, part 7 of this title, including, but not limited to, reinstatement, notice of intention to return, seniority, salary and insurance.(b)(1) The years of service acquired by a teacher while on a leave of absence to teach at a public charter school shall be used by the local board to obtain or determine tenure status; provided, that when the teacher returns to the traditional LEA from the charter school, the teacher receives two (2) consecutive years of evaluations demonstrating an overall performance effectiveness level of "above expectations" or "significantly above expectations" as required by § 49-5-504.(2) If a teacher does not receive two (2) consecutive years of evaluations demonstrating an overall performance effectiveness level of "above expectations" or "significantly above expectations" pursuant to subdivision (b)(1), then the time the teacher was on leave of absence to teach at the public charter school shall not be used by the local board to determine tenure status of the teacher.(c) For salary rating purposes, a teacher shall receive credit for years of service acquired while teaching at a public charter school.(d) This section applies to public charter schools authorized pursuant to this chapter.Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 219, s 60, eff. 4/26/2019.Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 265, s 1, eff. 7/1/2015.Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 265, s 2, eff. 7/1/2015.Acts 2002, ch. 850, § 17.