Common use of Professional Development Account Use Clause in Contracts

Professional Development Account Use. The Parties agree that Principal professional development funds may be used for approved professional development activities that support Principal job responsibilities or programs within their building. Some examples include but are not limited to: AVID, gifted education, middle school structure, professional learning communities, differentiation, response to intervention, and turn around schools. The funds may also be used for advanced degree programs; such as, superintendent or doctoral programs, national board certification and professional Principal certification programs. Additionally, if a Principal has an interest in a professional development opportunity not explicitly identified in this agreement, including general purpose professional conferences at the state or national level, the Principal may apply to his or her supervisor. The conferences and/or workshops must relate to the administrative position and enhance academic achievement. Possible conferences include but are not limited to: national conferences (NASSP, NMSA, AASA, ASCD) and state conferences (AWSP, WERA, WASA). The application shall include the financial cost of the opportunity, the dates it will involve being away from his or her assignment, if any, and the specific reason why this opportunity will enhance the Principal’s professional practice. If the Principal’s supervisor approves the application, it is subject to further review up the chain of command prior to implementation. If a professional development activity requires more than two consecutive days away from work on a student or staff day, the District will fund a substitute or arrange for additional coverage for the entire absence (pending substitute availability and superintendent approval). Professional development shall be a high priority for administrators and the District in order to accomplish the highest level of professionalism. Administrators will be alert to opportunities to advance professionalism and commit themselves to plan a program for professional improvement. The District, in recognizing the importance of professional development and membership in professional educational organizations, will encourage administrators to attend conferences and belong to such organizations to enhance the role of the administrator as instructional leaders:

Professional Development Account Use. The Parties agree that Principal professional development funds may be used for approved professional development activities that support Principal job responsibilities or programs within their building. Some examples include but are not limited to: AVID, gifted education, middle school structure, professional learning communities, differentiation, response to intervention, and turn around schools. The funds may also be used for advanced degree programs; such as, superintendent or doctoral programs, national board certification and professional Principal certification programs. Additionally, if a Principal has an interest in a professional development opportunity not explicitly identified in this agreement, including general purpose professional conferences at the state or national level, the Principal may apply to his or her supervisor. The conferences and/or workshops must relate to the administrative position and enhance academic achievement. Possible conferences include but are not limited to: national conferences (NASSP, NMSA, AASA, ASCD) and state conferences (AWSP, WERA, WASA). The application shall include the financial cost of the opportunity, the dates it will involve being away from his or her assignment, if any, and the specific reason why this opportunity will enhance the Principal’s professional practice. If the Principal’s supervisor approves the application, it is subject to further review up the chain of command prior to implementation. If a The District will only approve professional development activity requires activities that require more than two consecutive days away from work on a student or staff day, day if the District will Principal is willing to use professional development funds to fund a substitute or arrange for additional coverage for the entire absence (pending substitute availability and superintendent approval). Professional development shall be a high priority for administrators and the District in order to accomplish the highest level of professionalism. Administrators will be alert to opportunities to advance professionalism and commit themselves to plan a program for professional improvement. The District, in recognizing the importance of professional development and membership in professional educational organizations, will encourage administrators to attend conferences and belong to such organizations to enhance the role of the administrator as instructional leaders: