The Board of Education encourages professional staff members to develop increased competence beyond that which they may attain through the performance of their assigned duties, and encourages their participation in in-service and other training programs and in professional meetings and conferences.

The Superintendent shall plan and implement a District-wide program designed to promote the professional growth of staff members, and may also explore other training programs.

Staff development programs shall be designed to address the professional development of staff members who are working at a particular level, involved in a particular course or subject, or need to be prepared for a new assignment. The Superintendent shall approve all such programs in advance, and may require that principals and other administrators participate with staff members in order to ensure more through follow-up and support.

The Board may reimburse staff members for costs incurred in participation in professional growth activities, subject to the prior approval by the Superintendent of both the activity and the costs involved.

During the first three (3) years of employment, each non-tenured staff member shall be provided fifteen (15) days of professional development related to his/her Individual Development Plan. The Superintendent shall also arrange for the assignment to each such staff member of one or more mentors who have demonstrated proficiency in the teaching skills established in the staff member's IDP.

The Superintendent shall arrange to provide each member of the teaching staff with at least five (5) days of professional development annually. These days shall be in addition to any of the required fifteen (15) days of professional development provided to non-tenured teachers during their first three (3) years of teaching.

M.C.L.A. 380.1526, 380.1527

Revised 11/14/94
Revised 9/9/96
Revised 12/11/03
Revised 1/27/04