Professional Development Opportunities

The District Technology Committee approved a plan to establish this central source for professional development opportunities. This plan is a result of the work done by a Job Ticket Team responding to the data from the February 2006 Internal Technology Survey. They were tasked with developing a plan to address the large response (64%) that indicated they "did not know" or "could not say" that

• "on-line training opportunities are available to staff" (64%).
• "a comprehensive staff development program is in place that impacts all staff" (48%).

This site will provide you with a central source to access information and professional development opportunities. We appreciate your feedback as we continually seek to improve on our shared path to excellence.

On-line Professional Development Opportunities

In-service Credit: As with past practice, you may choose to pay for the on-line experience yourself, and request in-service credit (see approval process below) or you may seek approval for a conference and have the District pay for the on-line experience.

Approval Process:

• In-service Credit: Staff should follow the standard application for approval of academic work for salary purposes procedures to apply for these on-line professional development opportunities. Be sure to complete the form (which can be found in each building main office) and send to District Office before registering.
• Conference Request: Staff should follow the standard application for conference request and reimbursement form. Be sure to complete the form (which can be found in each building's main office) and submit to your building principal/supervisor before registering.

General Guidelines: In general, on-line professional development opportunities will be granted when they relate to individual professional development goals or District professional development initiatives identified in the Comprehensive Professional Development Plan. In-service credit cannot be earned for on-line experiences that are being taken as part of a previously approved graduate program. More information regarding approval can be found in the LTA collective bargaining agreement - Section 12.01, p. 19 and in the LNTO collective bargaining agreement - Section 15.07, p. 22.

Recommended On-line Opportunities: Below is a listing of suggested sources for on-line opportunities that are likely to be approved but prior-approval is required to receive in-service credit or conference reimbursement.

Comprehensive Professional Development Plan: This plan provides a structure for the professional development opportunities throughout the District. It is designed to coordinate current district initiatives and to support individual professional growth goals. As a comprehensive plan it is aligned with Charlotte Danielson's work in Enhancing Professional Practice and Livonia's Professional Growth Plan. This plan will serve as a the foundation for why we do the things we do. Academies and conference days will be planned based on the Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Results-Oriented and Time-bound (S.M.A.R.T.) goals identified in the PDP.

You can find a copy of the PDP here.