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For more information visit our privacy policy.New Teachers No new teachers shall be hired for a vacancy for which a teacher on unrequested leave is certified.
Student Teachers A. The term "student teacher" as used hereinafter shall refer to student teachers, intern teachers and all other such programs. Agreement to become a supervising teacher of a student teacher shall be strictly voluntary and is recognized not to result in such bargaining unit members becoming supervisors within the meaning of the Public Employment Relations Act (PERA). Probationary teachers are prohibited from accepting student teachers. B. It is expressly agreed that the Association may refuse to permit a bargaining unit member from supervising or directing the activities of a student teacher in the event: 1. The student teacher would displace instructional aides, para- professionals, or other current employees then employed. 2. The use of such student teacher would be used by the Employer as a basis for not hiring additional bargaining unit personnel. C. The Board shall disclose all terms of any agreement between it and any student placing institution. The terms and conditions of placement of student teachers shall be consistent with this agreement, unless otherwise agreed to by the Association. D. The supervising teacher shall have the right to accept an honorarium or other such token of appreciation as may be offered by the student/intern placing institution. E. Prior to acceptance of a student teacher, there shall be a meeting between the teacher, prospective student teacher, principal, president of the Association or an executive committee member of the Association. Following this interview, the teacher shall then have the right to accept or reject the student teacher. F. Any terms or conditions of this section not previously specified in this agreement shall be negotiated between the Board and the Association prior to implementation of future programs.
Mentor Teachers A. A Mentor Teacher shall be defined as a Master Teacher as identified in Section 1526 of the School Code and shall perform the duties of a Master Teacher as specified in the School Code and State Administrative Rules and Regulations. B. Each bargaining unit member in his/her first three (3) years in the classroom shall be assigned one or more Mentor Teacher(s) by the Administration. The Mentor Teacher shall be available to provide professional support, instruction and guidance. The purpose of the mentor assignment is to provide a peer who can offer assistance, resources and information in a collegial fashion. C. A Mentor Teacher shall be assigned in accordance with the following: 1. Participation as a Mentor Teacher shall be voluntary. 2. The Mentor Teacher assignment shall be for one (1) academic year subject to review. The appointment may be renewed in succeeding academic years. 3. Should either the Mentor Teacher or the Mentee present cause to dissolve the relationship, the administration will meet with the Mentor Teacher and the Mentee to determine an appropriate course of action. D. Upon request, the Administration may provide release time so the Mentor may work with the Mentee in his/her assignment during the regular work day. E. Mentees who are new to the profession shall be provided with a minimum of fifteen (15) days of professional development instruction during their first three (3) years of classroom teaching. F. Performance responsibilities of a Mentor Teacher may include but not be limited to: Work to establish a relationship with Mentee based on mutual trust, respect and collegiality; provide encouragement, support, guidance and feedback when needed; help Mentee feel welcome; take part in training to enhance teaching and mentoring skills; complete periodic evaluations of Mentor-Mentee program, as requested; contact mentees, minimally once a week, for formal or informal meetings; help Mentee learn about resources, procedures, curriculum, students' needs, building and district policies, regulations and schedules; promote a smooth transition between teacher training and the actual classroom setting; facilitate three-way conferences involving the Mentor, Mentee and Principal; provide opportunities for Mentee to observe the Mentor and other teachers; share new and alternative materials, methods and resources with Mentee; observe Mentee's teaching in a classroom setting; conduct pre and post observation conferences; and assist Mentee with goal setting.
Parent-Teacher Conferences A. Unit member shall be available at mutually arranged times during the regular school day to confer with parents regarding learning difficulties, student progress and/or behavioral problems a student may be experiencing. Unit members are encouraged to arrange a meeting or conference with parents before or after the regular school day if both time and place are mutually agreeable. B. In the event that a bargaining unit member does not communicate with a parent on the established date for parent unit member conferences as per the calendar adopted by the Board, a reasonable attempt to contact that parent will be made. A reasonable attempt constitutes a phone call or email. If that contact is not returned, the bargaining unit member shall not be obligated to make further contact.