5:100-AP1Staff Development Program
All District-sponsored staff development programs, including in-services, shall be approved by the Superintendent or designee. Staff development opportunities exist through the following:
A. Planned in-service programs, courses, seminars, and workshops are offered within the District. Every staff member is encouraged to suggest topics, formats, and speakers for in-service meetings. Suggestions should be given to the Superintendent or any member of the Professional Development Committee(s).
B. Visits to other classrooms and schools, as well as attendance at conferences, workshops, and other meetings may be requested.
With the Superintendent or designee’s approval, staff members may be released with full pay to:
- Attend professional conventions and meetings, visit exemplary programs, as well as participate in other professional growth activities. At the time of approval, the Superintendent or designee will indicate which expenses, if any, will be reimbursed by the District. After participation, a written report must be submitted to the Superintendent or designee summarizing the activity’s highlights.
- Serve as speakers, consultants, or resource persons outside the District. The staff member accepting such assignments may not accept any fee or honorarium other than a reasonable fee for preparation done outside of the working day. The employee or the institution receiving the services is responsible for travel, lodging, meal expenses, and for substitute costs if any are incurred.
- Attend training and staff development programs sponsored by an Educational Service Center (105 ILCS 5/2-3.62), the Illinois State Board of Education, a Regional Office of Education, the Illinois Association of School Boards, or any other professionally-sponsored education program. At the time of approval, the Superintendent or designee will indicate which expenses, if any, will be reimbursed by the District. After participation, a written report must be submitted to the Superintendent or designee summarizing the activity’s highlights.
C. Leaves of absence for advanced training and internships are governed by Board policy and/or collective bargaining agreements, if any.
D. The topics to be covered on days declared as Teacher Institutes (TI) must be approved by the Regional Superintendent of Schools governing the schools of that region. The request for approval should be submitted to the Regional Superintendent at least 30 days prior to the event.
E. Many opportunities for on-going professional development opportunities exist. Staff members are encouraged to discuss their plans for identifying and optimizing these opportunities with their supervisors.
F. Refer to the Professional Growth Plan for additional information.
Legal Reference(s):
105 ILCS 5/2-3.48, 5/2-3.53, 5/2-3.56, 5/2-3.59, 5/2-3.60, 5/3-11, 5/3-14.8, 5/10-20.35, 5/10-22.39, and 5/10-23.12.
23 Ill.Admin.Code §226.800, 525.110.
77 Ill.Admin.Code §527.800.
Date Adopted: April 7, 2009
