GCL - Staff Development - Licensed

As part of the district continuous improvement plan, the district will establish a short- and long-term professional development plan for licensed staff in order to enhance professional performance and promote achievement of high standards for all students. The plan shall be developed in writing by district administration.

Professional development activities may include, but are not limited to, college courses, workshops, curriculum planning, research, travel, supervision of teacher trainees and other activities approved by the supervisor. District professional development offerings may be planned to help licensed employees meet the requirements of their licenses. The district will provide appropriate, reasonable accommodations to ensure such training, whether provided by the district or through district contracts with third parties, is made available for qualified employees with disabilities.

Requests for release time for attendance at meetings or conferences may be approved by the superintendent or designee as deemed appropriate by the district and with the stipulation that:

1. Requests are to be submitted sufficiently in advance to permit superintendent or designee consideration; and

2. Where release time is granted, a written report will be submitted to the administration after such meeting or conference. Where such meetings or conferences are devoted primarily or exclusively to organizational or business affairs of associations of teachers, political workshops, training sessions for consultation committees and like activities, it is not considered appropriate for the Board to expend district funds.

Meetings or conferences for which district funds are contributed — whether for fees, travel or hiring of substitutes — shall directly relate to improved student learning. Where such meetings or conferences are devoted primarily or exclusively to organizational or business affairs of associations of educators, political workshops, training sessions for consultation committees and like activities, it is not considered appropriate for the Board to expend district funds or to approve the activity.

Each individual licensed employee is solely responsible for ensuring accurate completion of the professional development required for licensure. Once a licensed employee completes licensure requirements, the employee must submit evidence to the employee’s supervisor, who will verify that the licensed employee has successfully completed the professional development requirements to the superintendent or designee, on the Teacher Standards and Practices Commission (TSPC) Professional Educational Experience Report (PEER) form.

The superintendent or designee will develop administrative regulations, staff professional development handbooks and/or other related materials as may be necessary to implement the district’s professional development plans. Administrative regulations shall include professional development procedures and practices that incorporate plans for the district’s improvement and individual building, grade level, student and employee needs and goals.

END OF POLICY

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