Common use of PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND EDUCATIONAL IMPROVEMENT Clause in Contracts

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND EDUCATIONAL IMPROVEMENT. A. Both the Board and the Association encourage teachers to seek professional improvement. In order to assist teachers in extending and improving their skills the following plan will be implemented. B. All Teachers will be encouraged to earn a Masters degree or coursework toward additional certification that is in the field of education and within a teacher's discipline, or in an area that is beneficial to the school. C. The Board will pay teacher's expenses for undergraduate and/or graduate credits, specialty and additional endorsements under the following conditions. 1. In allocating budgeted funds priority will be given to the teachers in a “masters” program and those teachers who need to complete coursework for certification. 2. All courses must be approved, in advance, by the Superintendent. Courses for recertification purposes must be approved in advance by the certification committee and the superintendent. The teacher shall receive a written reply from the Superintendent within ten (10) days of application for course approval (See Appendix D). 3. Each teacher will be eligible for up to six (6) semester hours of credit or, if enrolled in a matriculated, organized program, 12 semester hours of credit for undergraduate will be paid if part of a graduate program or graduate courses per contract year. The Superintendent reserves the right to request intent to take courses prior to final budget preparation. Failure to communicate such intent at the time of the Superintendent’s request may jeopardize course reimbursement due to a lack of funding. 4. The administration will pay in advance the cost of the course. Presentation of evidence of satisfactory completion of the course (A grade of B or better) is the responsibility of the teacher. In the event the course is not completed or not completed satisfactorily, the teacher will refund the payment received in advance and in accordance with Appendix D – attached. 5. Teachers who resign shall not be eligible for reimbursement after the date of resignation Teachers who have been reimbursed for any course work toward securing a masters within the last two (2) years of employment shall be required to continue their service to RSU # 78 for an additional two (2) years (twenty-four months) or will be required to reimburse the district the cost associated with Masters courses taken prior to departing, Such reimbursement to the district shall be remitted via payroll deductions as arranged between the District and employee, unless the failure to continue employment is due to illness, disability, death, or reduction of position. 6. Reimbursement will only be for tuition and fees. It will not include reimbursement for mileage, books and other expenses unless the teacher is required to take the course by the administration.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND EDUCATIONAL IMPROVEMENT. A. Both Section 1 Expenses The COMMITTEE will pay the Board and reasonable expenses (including fees, meals, lodging and/or transportation) incurred by teachers who attend workshops, seminars, conferences, or other professional improvement sessions at the Association encourage teachers to seek professional improvement. In order to assist teachers request and/or with advance approval in extending and improving their skills writing of the following plan will be implementedSuperintendent. B. All Teachers Section 2 Credit for Projects The ASSOCIATION Professional Development Committee will meet with the superintendent to formulate professional development opportunities for teachers that benefit the educational goals of the Xxxxxxx Public Schools. Section 3 Credit for Courses Employees shall receive credit for a maximum of two (2) post-graduate courses per semester earned at an accredited degree granting college or university during the school year. An employee taking undergraduate courses during a school year may be encouraged to earn a Masters degree granted credit at the discretion of the Superintendent or coursework toward additional certification that is in the field of education and within a teacher's discipline, or in an area that is beneficial designee which discretion shall not be subject to the school. C. The Board will pay teacher's expenses Grievance and Arbitration Procedures of this Agreement. Any post-graduate credits earned by an employee during the summer under this Agreement at an accredited degree granting college or university shall be recognized. Credits earned by an employee under this Agreement during the summer for undergraduate and/or graduate credits, specialty and additional endorsements under courses shall be recognized for movement on the following conditions. 1. In allocating budgeted funds priority will be given salary schedule only to the teachers in a “masters” program and those teachers who need to complete coursework for certification. 2. All extent that such courses must be approved, in advance, by the Superintendent. Courses for recertification purposes must be had been approved in advance by the certification committee and Superintendent or designee. Graduate credits earned after the superintendent. The teacher shall receive a written reply from Bachelor’s degree (provided they are not required or prerequisite courses in the Superintendent within ten (10Master’s Program) days of application for course approval (See Appendix D). 3. Each teacher will be eligible for up to six (6) semester hours of credit or, if enrolled in a matriculated, organized program, 12 semester hours of credit for undergraduate will be paid if part of a graduate program or graduate courses per contract year. The Superintendent reserves the right to request intent to take courses prior to final budget preparation. Failure to communicate such intent compensated at the time of Master’s level upon the Superintendent’s request may jeopardize course reimbursement due to a lack of funding. 4. The administration will pay in advance the cost of the course. Presentation of evidence of satisfactory successful completion of the course Master’s Program. For salary purposes, educators who earned their Master’s Degree before the 1996-1997 school year will not qualify. This agreement is effective August 25, 1996. Movement on the salary schedule will only occur twice per school year: in September and in January. All documentation for movement on the salary schedule must be submitted to the payroll office no later than September 30 or January 31. There is a one-year limit for submission of courses in order to receive credit for movement on the salary schedule (A grade of B or better) is one year from the responsibility of the teacher. In the event time the course is not completed or not completed satisfactorily, the teacher will refund the payment received in advance and in accordance with Appendix D – attachedwas completed). 5. Teachers who resign shall not be eligible for reimbursement after the date of resignation Teachers who have been reimbursed for any course work toward securing a masters within the last two (2) years of employment shall be required to continue their service to RSU # 78 for an additional two (2) years (twenty-four months) or will be required to reimburse the district the cost associated with Masters courses taken prior to departing, Such reimbursement to the district shall be remitted via payroll deductions as arranged between the District and employee, unless the failure to continue employment is due to illness, disability, death, or reduction of position. 6. Reimbursement will only be for tuition and fees. It will not include reimbursement for mileage, books and other expenses unless the teacher is required to take the course by the administration.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND EDUCATIONAL IMPROVEMENT. A. Both the Board and the Association encourage teachers to seek professional improvement. In order to assist teachers in extending and improving their skills the following plan will be implemented. B. All Teachers will be encouraged to earn a Masters degree or coursework toward additional certification that is in the field of education and within a teacher's discipline, or in an area that is beneficial to the school. C. The Board will of Education agrees to pay teacher's expenses for undergraduate and/or graduate creditsthe actual tuition costs of courses taken by a teacher at accredited colleges or universities up to three courses per two (2) year fiscal periods from July 1, specialty 2006 to June 30, 2008 and additional endorsements under the following conditions.July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2010 respectively, except as follows: 1. In allocating budgeted funds priority will No teacher may be given to reimbursed for courses taken during the teachers first year of teaching in a “masters” program and those teachers who need to complete coursework for certificationVineland. 2. Teachers taking courses in the second and third years of employment in Vineland will not receive remuneration until tenure has been secured. The remuneration will then be retroactive and will be paid to the teacher in a lump sum within sixty (60) days after the teacher has secured tenure. 3. All courses must be approved, in advance, pre-approved by the Superintendent. Courses for recertification purposes Superintendent or his designee subject to the following requirements: (a) A teacher must be approved in advance by the certification committee and the superintendent. The teacher shall receive provide official documentation that he/she has obtained a written reply from the Superintendent within ten (10) days of application for course approval (See Appendix D). 3. Each teacher will be eligible for up to six (6) semester hours of credit or, if enrolled in a matriculated, organized program, 12 semester hours of credit for undergraduate will be paid if part of a graduate program or graduate courses per contract year. The Superintendent reserves the right to request intent to take courses prior to final budget preparation. Failure to communicate such intent at the time of the Superintendent’s request may jeopardize course reimbursement due to a lack of funding. 4. The administration will pay in advance the cost of the course. Presentation of evidence of satisfactory completion of the course (A grade of B or better; (b) is the responsibility of Reimbursement shall be paid only for courses directly related to teacher’s teaching field which increase the teacher’s content knowledge and are related to the teacher’s current certification, as determined by the Superintendent or his/her designee in his/her sole discretion; no reimbursement shall be paid for courses leading to a post graduate or professional degree in a field other than education or teaching. In the event the course is not completed or not completed satisfactorilyFurther, the teacher will refund the payment received in advance and in accordance with Appendix D – attached. 5. Teachers who resign effective September 1, 2010, all newly hired teachers shall not be eligible for reimbursement after the date of resignation Teachers who have been reimbursed until they are tenured, and they shall not be eligible for any course work toward securing a masters within the last two (2) years of employment shall be required to continue their service to RSU # 78 retroactive reimbursement upon gaining tenure for an additional two (2) years (twenty-four months) or will be required to reimburse the district the cost associated with Masters courses taken prior to departingbeing tenured. (c) The maximum total payments to be made by the Board shall not exceed $130,000.00. Courses shall be applied for no earlier than the following dates: Summer Session - April 1 Fall/Winter Session - June 1 Spring Session - October 1 Courses must, Such reimbursement as set forth hereinabove in this sub-article 18.A.3, be pre-approved by the Superintendent or his designee, prior to the district teacher commencing the course(s); and (d) Teacher taking courses shall sign a contract requiring them to reimburse the Board for all tuition paid for a course if the teacher shall voluntarily leave the employ of the Board within one (1) full school/academic year of completion of said course, except that reimbursement shall not be required when the teacher shall voluntarily leave the employ of the Board due to a significant, documented life change. 4. Tuition reimbursement costs shall be remitted via payroll deductions as arranged between a sum not to exceed the District actual cost of college credits charged in an accredited public State college/University of the State of New Jersey. B. When the Superintendent initiates in-service training courses, workshops, conferences and employeeprograms designed to improve the quality of instruction, unless the failure cooperation of the Vineland Education Association will be solicited. Notwithstanding the above, the initiation of in-service training courses, workshops, conferences and programs shall be determined solely at the discretion of the Board. C. One professional leave day may be granted to continue employment is due a teacher upon request, according to illnessthe following guidelines: 1. The professional day may be for attendance at a workshop, disabilityseminar or visit to another school for the expressed purpose of self professional improvement for the job. 2. The request shall arrive in the office of the Superintendent of Schools at least ten (10) working days prior to the date requested and shall be reviewed by the immediate supervisor prior to submission. The Board reserves the right to deny a professional leave day before or immediately following a holiday or on a day which by its nature suggests a hardship for providing a substitute. 3. No more than two teachers from any one elementary school or from any one department in the secondary schools may be granted a professional leave for a given day. 4. The teacher may be required to submit a report to the Superintendent of Schools, deathAssistant Superintendent, or reduction supervisor (s), principal and staff regarding the activity of positionthe professional day. 5. Costs incurred by the teacher for the professional day authorized under this Section shall be the teacher’s responsibility. 6. Reimbursement will only A maximum of 90 professional leave days may be authorized for tuition the school year which shall be apportioned as follows: elementary, 35; grades seven and feeseight, 20; and high school, 35. D. If the Board initiates a teacher’s attendance at a professional workshop, seminar or visit, the expenses shall be the responsibility of the Board. It will Further, this day shall not include reimbursement for mileage, books be subtracted from the 90 professional leave days granted to teachers of the Association. E. The Board agrees to pay the full cost of courses taken by secretaries related to skills and other expenses unless the teacher is knowledge improvement when such courses are required to take the course and approved by the administrationBoard. F. The Board and the Association agree that it is important to communicate when developing and implementing current and future learning technologies, including but not limited to distance and on-line learning.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND EDUCATIONAL IMPROVEMENT. A. Both The Board agrees to reimbursement of the Board and the Association encourage teachers cost of graduate credits subject to seek professional improvement. In order to assist teachers in extending and improving their skills the following plan will be implementedprovisions. A. The teacher must possess a standard certificate in his area of function. B. All Teachers will The teacher must either be encouraged accepted and enrolled for a program leading to earn a Masters degree Master's Degree in a field directly related to education or coursework toward additional certification that is must request and receive approval in advance for graduate level studies in the field of education and within a the applicant's assignment in the teacher's discipline, or in an area that is beneficial to the school. C. The Board will pay teacher's expenses for undergraduate and/or graduate credits, specialty and additional endorsements under the following conditionsschool situation. 1. In allocating budgeted funds priority will The Superintendent shall have the authority to approve all courses to be given submitted for reimbursement prior to the teachers enrollment in a “masters” program and those teachers who need such courses. Failure to complete coursework for certificationobtain Superintendent prior approval shall result in denial of reimbursement. 2. Whenever the Superintendent disapproves a course to be submitted for reimbursement, the Superintendent shall indicate the disapproval in writing and transmit it to the applicant immediately upon making such determination, including within the reason for such disapproval. C. If the teacher possesses a Masters Degree, the teacher must then be enrolled in a program leading either to the Masters Degree, Doctorate or Specialist directly related to education or must request and receive approval in advance for post-Master graduate level studies in the field of the applicant's assignment in the teacher's school situation. D. All courses teachers presently enrolled in graduate studies approved by the Superintendent of Schools and/or those teachers matriculated into a graduate program approved by the Superintendent of Schools shall be eligible for 15 graduate credits per year. Effective date is March 12, 2001. All other teachers shall be eligible for 6 graduate credits per year with the Superintendent of Schools approval. Effective date is March 12, 2001. Graduate credits shall be reimbursed at the prevailing Rutgers State University rate. E. The teacher must submit an official transcript and make application on or before October 1 for the preceding spring and/or summer term and March 1 for the preceding fall term. To be reimbursed applicants must be approvedemployees of the school system at the time application is made for reimbursement. Tuition payment shall be made within sixty (60) days after submission of college transcripts. F. The teacher must receive a grade of "A" or "B" or its equivalent. Only if the university or college involved has specified in its catalog that the specific course in question is graded only as "pass" or "fail", a grade of "pass" will be acceptable for reimbursement. G. The Board shall establish a grant program to encourage creative and innovative teachers to experiment in advance, improving instruction and student learning during both the ten-month school year and the summer. These proposed program grants must clearly define the objectives of the program and demonstrate measurable criteria for the accomplishment of objectives; 1. Proposal grants during the school year shall be adjunct to the regular teaching schedule and workday. Xxxxxx will include salary remuneration only when determined by the SuperintendentSuperintendent that the project demands weekend, holiday, significant evening, or summer activity. Courses Any salary remuneration and other funds to support the proposal shall be made on the recommendation of and at the discretion of the Superintendent of Schools. 2. Applications for recertification purposes grants during the summer should be filed by April 15. Applications for grants for the school year must be approved in advance by the certification committee and the superintendent. The teacher shall receive a written reply from the Superintendent within ten (10) days of application for course approval (See Appendix D)submitted no later than August 15. 3. Each teacher will Grants shall be eligible for up limited to six (6) semester hours a minimum of credit or, if enrolled in $100.00 and to a matriculated, organized program, 12 semester hours maximum of credit for undergraduate will be paid if part of a graduate program or graduate courses per contract year$1,000.00. The Superintendent reserves the right to request intent to take courses prior to final budget preparation. Failure to communicate such intent at the time amount of grant shall be determined by means of the Superintendent’s request may jeopardize course reimbursement due following formula: the annual salary of the individual making application divided by 1300 times the estimated hours mutually agreed upon between the individual making the application and the Superintendent of Schools. The tasks called for in the proposal must be completed in their entirety in order for the individual making application to a lack of fundingreceive payment. 4. The administration will pay total amount of grants shall not exceed $6,000.00 in advance any year July 1 through and including June 30. Proposals must be submitted in writing (see Appendix B), either individually or by a group of teachers, and reviewed by the cost building principal, with the principal's formal recommendation or lack of recommendation to the course. Presentation Superintendent of evidence of satisfactory completion of Schools, who makes the course (A grade of B or better) is final recommendation to the responsibility of the teacher. In the event the course is not completed or not completed satisfactorily, the teacher will refund the payment received in advance and in accordance with Appendix D – attachedBoard. 5. Teachers who resign Should funds not be available in the budget for such mini-grant program, such programs shall not be eligible approved. H. A teacher is to be moved across the salary guide as soon as that teacher has completed required courses and an official transcript has been received in the Superintendent's Office. Prior notification that this move is likely must be made in writing to the Office of the Superintendent upon registration for reimbursement after said courses. I. Representatives designated by the date of resignation Teachers who have been reimbursed for any course work toward securing a masters within the last two (2) years of employment shall be required to continue their service to RSU # 78 for an additional two (2) years (twenty-four months) or Association will be required to reimburse involved in the planning of any in-service program for district the cost associated with Masters courses taken prior to departing, Such reimbursement to the district shall be remitted via payroll deductions as arranged between the District and employee, unless the failure to continue employment is due to illness, disability, death, or reduction of positionemployees. 6. Reimbursement will only be for tuition and fees. It will not include reimbursement for mileage, books and other expenses unless the teacher is required to take the course by the administration.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND EDUCATIONAL IMPROVEMENT. A. Both MA+30 credits of the Salary Guide shall include all graduate courses and in-service courses authorized by the Superintendent of Schools and approved by the Board of Education. All course work taken for salary credit must have prior approval from the Superintendent of Schools. Criteria for Allocating Course Credit Beyond the Bachelor’s Degree A Principal in the schools of Old Bridge Township may be granted credit on the Salary Guide for courses taken beyond the Bachelor’s Degree. Such credit will be granted for courses accepted as part of a matriculated program leading toward an advanced degree at a duly authorized institution of higher learning, accredited and recognized by the Association encourage teachers State of New Jersey, and for professional improvement courses authorized by the Superintendent. In-service courses authorized by the Superintendent and approved by the Board of Education requiring Principal attendance, are paid for by the district and participants are eligible to seek professional improvementreceive in-service credit for salary purposes. In order to assist teachers in extending and improving their skills receive course credit, Principals must submit to the Superintendent, no later than five (5) school days after registration, an application for approval of the course(s). Principals will include with the said application substantiation of the value of the course based upon the following plan guidelines: That the course is directly related to his/her present assignment as the Principal or Administrator. Content, method, and guidance courses would be creditable only on the level of the person’s present assignment or certification. That the course has relevance to and value in the present assignment of the Principal. Credit will not be given for the duplication of courses where the basic content is unchanged. A minimum of twenty (20) hours of course work will be implemented. B. All Teachers will required for two in-service credits. Courses approved for credit are intended to improve the performance of the Principal and are expected to directly benefit the school district. Final interpretation of both the guidelines and the Principal’s substantiation shall be encouraged to earn a Masters degree or coursework toward additional certification that is in the field of education and within a teacher's discipline, or in an area that is beneficial left to the school. C. The Board will pay teacher's expenses for undergraduate and/or graduate credits, specialty and additional endorsements under the following conditions. 1. In allocating budgeted funds priority will be given to the teachers in a “masters” program and those teachers who need to complete coursework for certification. 2. All courses must be approved, in advance, by discretion of the Superintendent. Courses for recertification purposes must be approved in advance by the certification committee and the superintendent. The teacher shall receive a written reply from the Superintendent within ten (10) days of application for course approval (See Appendix D). 3. Each teacher Reimbursement paid to Principals will be eligible for up capped at the Spring Rutgers rate in each year, continuing through the immediately following summer and fall semesters, not to exceed six (6) semester hours of credit or, if enrolled in a matriculated, organized program, 12 semester hours of credit for undergraduate will be paid if part of a graduate program or graduate courses credits per contract year. The Superintendent reserves the right to request intent to take courses prior to final budget preparation. Failure to communicate such intent at the time of the Superintendent’s request may jeopardize course reimbursement due to a lack of funding. 4. The administration will pay in advance the cost of the course. Presentation of evidence of satisfactory completion of the course (A grade of B or better) is the responsibility of the teacher. In the event the course is not completed or not completed satisfactorily, the teacher will refund the payment received in advance and in accordance with Appendix D – attached. 5. Teachers who resign shall not be eligible for reimbursement after the date of resignation Teachers who have been reimbursed for any course work toward securing a masters within the last two (2) years of employment shall be required to continue their service to RSU # 78 for an additional two (2) years (twenty-four months) or will be required to reimburse the district the cost associated with Masters courses taken prior to departing, Such reimbursement to the district shall be remitted via payroll deductions as arranged between the District and employee, unless the failure to continue employment is due to illness, disability, death, or reduction of position. 6. Reimbursement will only be for tuition and fees. It will not include reimbursement for mileage, books and other expenses unless the teacher is required to take the course by the administration.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND EDUCATIONAL IMPROVEMENT. A. Both the The Board and the Association encourage teachers agrees to seek compensate a nurse for professional improvement. In order study at an accredited college or university subject to assist teachers in extending and improving their skills the following plan will be implemented. B. All Teachers will be encouraged to earn a Masters degree or coursework toward additional certification that is in the field of education and within a teacher's discipline, or in an area that is beneficial to the school. C. The Board will pay teacher's expenses for undergraduate and/or graduate credits, specialty and additional endorsements under the following conditions.provisions: 1. In allocating budgeted funds priority Any number, up to nine (9) credit hours of professional study earned at an accredited college or university will be given paid at the in-state tuition rate per credit hour charged by either the University of Maine or the University of New Hampshire, whichever is greater, only when the nurse is under contract for the school year when the reimbursement is to the teachers in a “masters” program and those teachers who need to complete coursework for certificationbe paid. 2. All courses credits must have prior approval of the Superintendent of Schools and must lead to an advanced degree or be in the nurse’s area of specialization or lead, in the opinion of the Superintendent, to the nurse’s professional growth and improvement to be eligible for reimbursement. Application must be approved, in advance, by the Superintendent. Courses for recertification purposes must be approved in advance by the certification committee and the superintendent. The teacher shall receive a written reply from submitted to the Superintendent within ten (10) days of application for course approval (See Appendix D)through the building Principal. 3. Each teacher will be eligible A nurse is limited to reimbursement for only up to six nine (69) semester credit hours of credit or, if enrolled in a matriculated, organized program, 12 semester hours of credit for undergraduate will be paid if part of a graduate program or graduate three (3) courses per contract year. The Superintendent reserves the right to request intent to take courses prior to final budget preparation. Failure to communicate such intent at the time of the Superintendent’s request may jeopardize course reimbursement due to a lack of funding. 4. The administration will Reimbursement for professional credit shall be made within two pay in advance the cost of the course. Presentation of evidence of satisfactory completion of the course (A grade of B or better) is the responsibility of the teacher. In the event the course is not completed or not completed satisfactorily, the teacher will refund the payment received in advance and in accordance with Appendix D – attachedperiods. 5. Teachers who resign shall not Transcripts or official rank sheets from the accredited college or university and receipts for tuition payment must be eligible for reimbursement after submitted to the school’s office fifteen (15) days prior to the scheduled date of resignation Teachers who have been reimbursed for any course work toward securing a masters within the last two (2) years of employment shall be required to continue their service to RSU # 78 for an additional two (2) years (twenty-four months) or will be required to reimburse the district the cost associated with Masters courses taken prior to departing, Such reimbursement to the district shall be remitted via payroll deductions as arranged between the District and employee, unless the failure to continue employment is due to illness, disability, death, or reduction of positionpayment. 6. Reimbursement for professional study is contingent upon the nurse receiving a B or better in a graded course, or a P in a pass/fail course. B. The Board agrees to compensate a nurse for professional study at seminar workshops subject to the following provisions: 1. Reimbursement of professional study earned at a seminar workshop will be at the tuition cost or registration fee of the workshop. 2. All seminars must have the prior approval of the Superintendent. Application must be submitted to the Superintendent through the Principal. 3. A nurse is limited to reimbursement for only nine (9) credit hours per contract year. 4. Reimbursement for professional credit shall be made within two pay periods. 5. Transcripts or official rank sheets from the accredited college or university and receipt(s) for tuition payment must be submitted to the school’s office fifteen (15) days prior to the scheduled date of payment. C. Any combination of credits in A and feesB above shall be reimbursed subject to conditions set forth in A and B above. D. A nurse may be required by the Board to take in-service college credit seminars or workshops sponsored by the District that will enhance his/her professional growth and proficiency. It In such cases, the District will not include reimbursement for mileagepay the full cost of tuition, books transportation and other reasonable educationally related expenses unless for the teacher is required nurse’s attendance at the seminars or workshops. E. The Superintendent shall meet to take receive input from the course Association on in-service system-wide and building-wide orientation programs for new nurses, system-wide and building-wide in-service training programs, conferences and workshops, and the district school year calendar, subject to the final determination by the administrationBoard. The Board and the Association shall be obligated to assume only such costs as may be mutually agreed upon during the planning of such programs.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND EDUCATIONAL IMPROVEMENT. A. Both Courses, Conferences, & Workshops A. The Committee will pay tuition and fees each year for courses, conferences and workshops approved by the Board Superintendent of Schools. Employees seeking reimbursement of tuition and fees must submit course reimbursement forms no later than the Association encourage teachers to seek professional improvementfollowing dates: ● Fall semester – Feb 1st of the year following ● Spring semester and Full-year courses – June 30th of the same year ● Summer Session 1 August 1st of the same year ● Summer Session 2 – Nov. 1st of the same year ● The member shall submit a copy of the grade for the completed course for which approval has been granted. In order to assist teachers facilitate the timely processing of course reimbursements, a letter from the professor, indicating the name of the course and grade earned, may be substituted for the official transcript. Also, online grades from the college website are sufficient, preliminary evidence for reimbursement. ● The official transcript or grade report shall be submitted to Central Office once it is available. ● Teachers must notify the Assistant Superintendent if a course goes beyond a traditional semester period as set out in extending and improving their skills the following plan will be implemented. B. All this Article. ● Teachers will forfeit the course reimbursement if the applicable deadline dates are missed. Teachers will notify the superintendent as soon as possible if they are not taking a previously approved course. No reason need be encouraged to earn a Masters degree or coursework toward additional certification that is in given. After employees submit forms on the field of education proper dates, tuition and within a teacher's discipline, or in an area that is beneficial to the school. C. The Board will pay teacher's expenses for undergraduate and/or graduate credits, specialty and additional endorsements under the following conditions. 1. In allocating budgeted funds priority will be given to the teachers in a “masters” program and those teachers who need to complete coursework for certification. 2. All courses must be approved, in advance, by the Superintendent. Courses for recertification purposes must be approved in advance by the certification committee and the superintendent. The teacher fees shall receive a written reply from the Superintendent within ten (10) days of application for course approval (See Appendix D). 3. Each teacher will be eligible for up to six (6) semester hours of credit or, if enrolled in a matriculated, organized program, 12 semester hours of credit for undergraduate will be paid if part upon a receipt of a graduate program or graduate courses transcript certifying satisfactory completion of the course(s). Reimbursement shall be limited to an aggregate coursework/conference/workshop maximum of twelve hundred dollars ($1200) per unit member over the term of the Agreement. $80,000 is allocated system-wide for this contract year. The Superintendent reserves Director of Finance will report the right balance of these funds every September, December, and March. Any residual funds may be dispersed to request intent to take courses prior to final budget preparation. Failure to communicate such intent at the time of the Superintendent’s request may jeopardize course reimbursement due to a lack of fundingapplicants for reimbursement. 4. The administration will pay in advance the cost of the course. Presentation of evidence of satisfactory completion of the course (A grade of B or better) is the responsibility of the teacher. In the event the course is not completed or not completed satisfactorily, the teacher will refund the payment received in advance and in accordance with Appendix D – attached. 5. Teachers who resign shall not be eligible for reimbursement after the date of resignation Teachers who have been reimbursed for any course work toward securing a masters within the last two (2) years of employment shall be required to continue their service to RSU # 78 for an additional two (2) years (twenty-four months) or will be required to reimburse the district the cost associated with Masters courses taken prior to departing, Such reimbursement to the district shall be remitted via payroll deductions as arranged between the District and employee, unless the failure to continue employment is due to illness, disability, death, or reduction of position. 6. Reimbursement will only be for tuition and fees. It will not include reimbursement for mileage, books and other expenses unless the teacher is required to take the course by the administration.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND EDUCATIONAL IMPROVEMENT. A. Both 13.1 The District will reimburse employees for one hundred percent (100%) of the Board total tuition, which excludes registration fees, books and other related materials, up to the Association encourage teachers University of Delaware per credit rate for in- state students for any courses required by the District or for any courses which are necessary for a teacher to seek professional improvement. In order to assist teachers in extending and improving their skills be issued a standard certificate by the following plan will be implementedDepartment of Education for the position which the District employed the individual. B. All Teachers 13.2 The District will be encouraged to earn a Masters degree or coursework toward additional certification that is in reimburse the field tuition of education and within a teacher's discipline, or in an area that is beneficial to the school. C. The Board will pay teacher's expenses for undergraduate and/or graduate credits, specialty and additional endorsements under the following conditions. 1. In allocating budgeted funds priority will be given to the teachers in a “masters” program and those teachers who need to complete coursework for certification. 2. All courses must be approved, in advance, by the Superintendent. Courses for recertification purposes must be approved in advance by the certification committee and the superintendent. The teacher shall receive a written reply from the Superintendent within ten (10) days of application for course approval (See Appendix D). 3. Each teacher will be eligible for up to six (6) semester credit hours per year up to the University of Delaware per credit or, if enrolled rate for in-state students for teachers for courses beyond those required for standard certification and for paraprofessionals for those courses which are necessary for certification in education; provided a matriculated, organized program, 12 semester hours reimbursable course is approved by the employee's supervisor. Reimbursement per credit hour will not exceed the amount allowable per the University of credit for undergraduate Delaware rate. 13.3 Reimbursement under 13.1 and 13.2 will be paid if part contingent upon the employee receiving prior written approval from the Superintendent or Designee and only upon delivery of an official transcript of work successfully completed (a graduate program or graduate courses per contract year. The Superintendent reserves the right to request intent to take courses prior to final budget preparation. Failure to communicate such intent at the time of the Superintendent’s request may jeopardize course reimbursement due to a lack of funding. 4. The administration will pay in advance the cost of the course. Presentation of evidence of satisfactory completion of the course (A passing grade of B or better; or pass in a pass-fail system) is and a properly documented receipt from the responsibility of school showing that the teacher. In the event the course is not completed or not completed satisfactorily, the teacher will refund the payment received in advance and in accordance with Appendix D – attachedfee has been paid. 5. Teachers who resign shall not be eligible for reimbursement after the date of resignation Teachers who have been reimbursed for any course work toward securing a masters within the last two (2) years of employment 13.4 All teachers with emergency certification and/or ARTC licensure and certification shall be required to continue their service follow the Delaware Department of Education requirements as to RSU # 78 for an additional two (2) years (twenty-four months) or the number and type of courses and the time frame allotted in which to successfully complete said courses. 13.5 The Board shall post on one main office bulletin board in each building information made available to the District, of State and Local tuition reimbursement funding and any regulations attendant to this funding. 13.6 CTE teachers will be required allotted one state-mandated professional development day each semester to reimburse the district the cost associated with Masters courses taken prior work on CTE-specific duties. The priority will be to departingdevelop or reinforce industry partnerships and work-based learning opportunities for students. CTE teachers will be required, Such reimbursement upon request by their supervising administrator, to the district shall be remitted via payroll deductions as arranged between the District and employee, unless the failure to continue employment is due to illness, disability, death, or reduction of positionprovide a written agenda for those days. 6. Reimbursement will only be for tuition and fees. It will not include reimbursement for mileage, books and other expenses unless the teacher is required to take the course by the administration.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND EDUCATIONAL IMPROVEMENT. A. Both In our rapidly changing society teachers must constantly review curricular content, teaching methods and materials, educational philosophy and goals, social change and other topics related to education. The Board recognizes that it shares with its professional staff, responsibility for the updating of teacher performance and attitudes. The Board and the Association encourage T.A. support the principle of continuing training of teachers to seek professional improvement. In order to assist teachers in extending and improving their skills the following plan will be implementedimprovement of instruction. B. All Teachers will be encouraged To work toward the ends stated above, the Board agrees to earn a Masters degree or coursework toward additional certification that is in implement the field of education and within a teacher's discipline, or in an area that is beneficial to the school. C. The Board will pay teacher's expenses for undergraduate and/or graduate credits, specialty and additional endorsements under the following conditions.following: 1. In allocating budgeted funds priority will To pay the full cost of tuition and other reasonable expenses incurred in connection with any courses, workshops, seminars, conferences, in-service training sessions or other sessions which a teacher is required by the administration to take. To be given to eligible for reimbursement the teachers in teacher must receive a “masters” program and those teachers who need to complete coursework for certificationminimum grade of B, or its equivalent. 2. All Tuition and costs of required texts for college courses must be approvedtaken, in advanceor their equivalent, including courses offered by the Superintendent. Courses District, if the courses are directly related to the position held by the teacher, shall be reimbursed at actual cost, not to exceed $500.00 for recertification purposes must be all course reimbursements that have been approved in advance by the certification committee and the superintendentSuperintendent. The teacher Superintendent has the discretion to grant or deny course reimbursement requests, which discretion shall receive a not be exercised arbitrarily or capriciously. Prior written reply from approval by the Superintendent within ten (10) days of application for course approval (See Appendix D)is required. 3. Each Reimbursement shall only be provided to a teacher who returns to employment with the District for the school year immediately following the completion of a course. Teachers who receive reimbursement and do not complete at least the first sixty- (60) calendar days of the next school year shall have any reimbursed amounts deducted from their final salary payment. If a teacher has received a lump sum payment, then the District shall be reimbursed within thirty- (30) days by the teacher for the full amount. 4. The district will be eligible for pay the entire tuition (up to six (6the current rate of the University of Maine) semester hours of credit or, if enrolled for courses in a matriculated, organized matriculated master’s degree program, 12 semester hours provided that the Superintendent has given prior approval to the specific masters’ degree program. The district will make payment in advance of credit for undergraduate will be paid if part the course and the teacher must complete the course with a minimum grade of a graduate program B or graduate courses per contract yearits equivalent. Teachers who do not complete the course with the minimum grade requirement shall have any reimbursed amounts deducted from their salary. 5. The Superintendent reserves the right to request intent to take courses prior to final budget preparationrequire professional development programs/classes of teachers during the school year. Failure to communicate such intent at the time Such programs would normally impact some of the Superintendent’s request may jeopardize course reimbursement due District teachers. It is not the intent of this agreement to a lack require all teachers to participate on an ongoing basis. Furthermore, it is not the intent of funding. 4this agreement to require teachers who participate in said programs, to be in class longer than 75 minutes beyond the normal work day. The administration Teachers who are required to be in these programs for at least 10 hours beyond the normal work day and who are not receiving re-certification credits, graduate credits, or some other form of direct compensation, will pay earn an additional personal day, to be taken in advance the cost of the course. Presentation of evidence of satisfactory completion of the course (A grade of B or better) is the responsibility of the teachercurrent year, which will not come from their accumulated sick leave. In the event the course is not completed or not completed satisfactorily, the teacher will refund the payment received in advance and in accordance with Appendix D – attached. 5. Teachers who resign shall not be eligible for reimbursement after the date of resignation Teachers who have been reimbursed for any course work toward securing that a masters within the last two (2) years of employment shall be required to continue their service to RSU # 78 for an additional two (2) years (twenty-four months) or will be required to reimburse the district the cost associated with Masters courses taken prior to departing, Such reimbursement to the district shall be remitted via payroll deductions as arranged between the District and employee, unless the failure to continue employment is due to illness, disability, death, or reduction of position. 6. Reimbursement will only be for tuition and fees. It will not include reimbursement for mileage, books and other expenses unless the teacher is required to take put in 40 or more hours of professional development time beyond the course by regular work day, in a single school year, without aforementioned credit or compensation, he/she would earn a second personal day, which also must be taken in the administrationcurrent school year, not to count against his/her accumulated sick leave.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND EDUCATIONAL IMPROVEMENT. A. Both Beginning no later than October 15th of each school year, the Board child study team and/or the resource room teacher shall share with all other staff members who are responsible for a student, the diagnosis, planning, implementation and evaluation of the Association encourage teachers to seek professional improvementstudent's individualized educational program. In order to assist teachers in extending and improving their skills the following plan will be implementedSuch educational plans shall follow state regulations. B. All Teachers will be Members of professional staff are encouraged to earn attend and participate in professional organization meetings and conferences at a Masters degree or coursework toward additional certification that is in the field of education local, state, and within national level which serve as a teacher's discipline, or in an area that is beneficial stimulus to the schoolprofessional interest and growth and affect general school improvement. C. The Board will Superintendent may authorize absence of individual teachers for professional purposes with full pay teacher's and expenses for undergraduate and/or graduate credits, specialty not to exceed five (5) school days in any school year in addition to professional meetings scheduled on the school calendar. D. Reimbursement of tuition and additional endorsements under the following conditions.textbook costs 1. In allocating budgeted funds priority Maximum District cost: $100,000 A per teacher limit of $1000 for each of two courses Tuition reimbursement will be given available only to the teachers in a “masters” program and those teachers who need to complete coursework for certificationtenured teachers. 2. All courses must Reimbursement shall be approvedmade for the first approved course up to the maximum per teacher per course limit set in D. 1. above. If there are insufficient funds for full reimbursement of the second course under the maximum District cost set in D. 1. above, the remaining monies shall be divided equally among all teachers who have a second approved course, but in advance, by no case shall an individual’s reimbursement be greater than the Superintendent. Courses for recertification purposes must be approved in advance by cost of the certification committee and the superintendent. The teacher shall receive a written reply from the Superintendent within ten (10) days of application for course approval (See Appendix D)course. 3. Each teacher will Teacher requests for reimbursement shall be eligible accepted for up to six (6) semester hours of credit ora two week period starting: July 1, if enrolled in a matriculated, organized program, 12 semester hours of credit for undergraduate will be paid if part of a graduate program or graduate courses per contract November 1 and April 1 each year. The Superintendent reserves All requests for course approval and tuition reimbursement must be made on the right to request intent to take courses prior to final budget preparation. Failure to communicate such intent at the time of the Superintendent’s request may jeopardize course reimbursement due to a lack of fundingappropriate forms. 4. The administration Superintendent will pay in advance the cost notify applicants of approval/denial of requests for courses prior to registration. Confirmation of acceptance of reimbursement shall be provided within two (2) weeks of the course. Presentation close of evidence of satisfactory completion of the course (A grade of B or better) is the responsibility of the teacher. In the event the course is not completed or not completed satisfactorily, the teacher will refund the payment received in advance and in accordance with Appendix D – attachedeach application submission period. 5. Teachers who resign shall not In order to be eligible for reimbursement after reimbursement, a grade of "B" or better must be earned and the date of resignation Teachers who have been reimbursed for any course work toward securing a masters within the last two (2) years of employment shall be required to continue their service to RSU # 78 for an additional two (2) years (twenty-four months) or will be required to reimburse the district the cost associated with Masters courses taken prior to departing, Such reimbursement to the district shall be remitted via payroll deductions as arranged between teacher must present the District with proof of enrollment, proof of payment and employee, unless the failure to continue employment is due to illness, disability, death, or reduction proof of positiongrade. 6. Grade verification must be supplied to the District no later than June 20. Reimbursement will only shall be made by August 1. 7. Teachers, with the exception of those on approved leaves of absence, who do not return to the school district shall not be reimbursed for tuition and fees. It will not include reimbursement for mileage, books and other expenses courses taken in the prior year unless the teacher is required has been reduced in force. 8. The parties agree to take study the course workings of these provisions annually in order to perfect this system. 9. Effective July 1, 2006, a teacher who receives reimbursement under D. and who then leaves the District’s employment, except in a retirement situation, a separation due to disability or a reduction-in-force shall reimburse the District as follows: a. 50% of the reimbursed amount for the year prior to departure; b. the application form for reimbursement shall contain an acknowledgement by the administrationapplying teacher that the provisions of a. is in effect and that the teacher shall reimburse the District pursuant to them and that the above monies may be withheld from the last paycheck of the departing teacher. c. All returned monies shall be placed back into the tuition reimbursement pool. E. Teachers who complete the process for National Board for Professional Teaching Standard Certificate shall receive $2000 reimbursement for fees. F. An employee holding a NBPTSC shall receive an annual stipend of $750 as long as the certification is current (must recertify per rules to maintain stipend). If the state makes an equal or greater payment for the NBPTSC, the District payment will not be made. If the State makes a payment less than $750 annually, the District will make up the difference to $750.