Tuesday, July 14, 2020

Professional Learning: Teacher Quality Opportunities

Southeast Polk teachers have a strong tradition of continuous professional learning. As we prepare for the upcoming school year, there are 3 opportunities to participate in Teacher Quality activities throughout the 2020-2021 school year. Today's blog has information regarding these learning opportunities, including some that are available to all certified staff prior to the beginning of school.
  • Return to Learn Jump Start PD
  • TIME Day
  • Coursework

Return to Learn Jump Start PD


As a part of Southeast Polk's Return to Learn Plan, online professional development has been designed to support us as we prepare for the upcoming school year.  

Below is a 10 minute webinar that provides information regarding Return to Learn Jump Start PD.






As was shared in the webinar, there are 12 online modules prepared and housed in Canvas. 6 of these modules are part of the core pathway, and 6 are a part of the differentiated pathway.  Each of the modules are listed below with a link to a learning map that has more information regarding course content.


If you would like to participate in Jump Start PD, please select 3 modules you would like to take prior to the start of the school year. Upon completion of these modules, you will receive a stipend of $400. The timeline for participation is July 15th-August 14th.

To participate:
  • Review the learning maps to determine which courses you would like to take.
  • Submit the form below indicating the 3 modules you have selected. You will then be added to the course.
  • Complete the 3 courses prior to the start of school to receive your stipend.
While this option is available between July 15th and August 14th, these modules will be available throughout the school year to support district goals, building goals, team goals, and individual goals.

TIME Day



Another opportunity for funding will be an option for teachers to participate in additional hours of professional learning throughout the school year (TIME-Teacher Initiated Meaningful Engagement). Certified teachers may receive up to 8 hours of additional per diem pay for collaborative work completed outside their regular contract time during the 2019-2020 school year. The criteria for these hours is below:

  • Extension of the District/Building PD Plan
  • Supportive of Building CSIP
  • Responds to one of the 4 PLC Questions
    • What do we want students to learn?
    • How will we know when they have learned it?
    • What will we do if they do not learn?
    • What will we do if they have already learned it?
To receive payment for this work, please submit the form below. This form may also be found on the mySEP page under "Teaching and Learning Resources." There will be 3 pay periods for TIME hours during the school year--in September, November, and May. 


This year, TIME Day hours may begin in the month of JulyAs you make plans for TIME day with your collaborative team, you may want to consider engaging in some or all of these hours prior to the beginning of the school year in order to prepare for potential online and hybrid learning pathways. 


*Please review your collaborative plan with your building 
principal prior to beginning this work.


TQ Coursework



There will again the opportunity for teacher quality funding to support your professional learning this year. 

As was the case last year, there will be one window for teacher quality funds to support coursework this year. This window will extend across the school year (August 23, 2020-August 22, 2021). 
There is a $375 limit for teacher quality funding during this timeframe. In order to be eligible for TQ funding, an application must be submitted. Each teacher may submit one TQ Course Application during the 2020-2021 school year. 

When your course is completed, please submit your transcript and a payroll sheet to Nikki Christianson in the district office. Payroll sheets may be found on the mySEP page. Please follow the guidelines below to make sure you receive your payment in an efficient manner.

PAYROLL GUIDELINES

  • Payroll sheets may be found on MySEP under the Human Resources/Payroll link.
  • Under the description put "TQ: THE NAME OF THE COURSE"
  • Make sure you complete 'time in', 'time out' and the total hours (up to 15)
  • If the course is more than 15 hours, only submit up to 15 hours.
  • All submitted times must be outside of contract hours.
  • A separate payroll sheet should be submitted for each month if the course is held across multiple months.
  • Be sure to sign your payroll sheet.
  • Your instructor should not sign the payroll sheet--your transcript will serve as the verification needed.
  • Please submit your payroll sheet within 1 month after completing the course.
You may submit an application through the link below. This form may also be found on the mySEP page under "Teaching and Learning Resources." 


Teacher Quality Support Documents

Jump Start PD

Time Day

TQ Coursework

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