Below is a list of basic questions that teachers sometimes ask regarding staff development guidelines. For further questions, call the Teacher Center at 451-5228

Who determines requirements for Professional development?

The State Department of Education requires a total of ten (10) administrative and professional development days. At least five (5) of these days must be used for professional development. The State Department of Education also provides guidelines for professional development:

"Professional development is defined as a program of planned activities designed to increase the competencies needed by all certificated personnel in the performance of their professional responsibilities. In this context, competencies are defined as the knowledge, skills, and attitudes which enable personnel to carry out their tasks with maximum effectiveness."

How do I know what can be approved for Professional development?

Examples of approved activities include: workshops designed to develop competencies, researching at the Teacher Center (with prior approval of your principal), Southern Association Committee meetings, new teacher professional development sessions, Care Team training, subject area conferences, curriculum meetings, seminars for subject area, college courses not taken for credit, state meetings for instructional purposes, SCEA training workshops for instructional purposes,and school visits (when Sumner County is not in school).Examples of non-approved activities include: T-shirt painting, activities unrelated to subject taught, paid consultant work, trips and tours, activities done during regular school hours, marching or band contests, concerts, coaching clinics, any activity for which a teacher is paid a supplement, college classes taken for credit, business meetings for professional associations, or any activity working with students.

May I earn Professional development credit on a personal leave or sick leave day?

No. Teachers are paid for personal leave and sick leave days. If you were paid for professional development on a sick/personal leave day, that would constitute being paid for two days' work in one day.

May I earn staff development credit for activities which involve students (such as yearbook conferences, coaching clinics, regional/state/national student contests?

No. State guidelines specifically prohibit professional development credit for any activity involving or supervising students.

During what timeframe may I earn professional development credit?

I'm a retired school teacher from Sumner County.  Am I required to do professional development?