TIME Hours

Through partnership with the Professional Development Steering Committee, an option has been designed 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 2025-2026 school year.  Each member of the collaborative team must submit a Laserfiche form to receive payment. The criteria for these hours is below:

• Is an extension of the District/Building PD Plan

• Is supportive of the building SIP goals

• 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 at the link above. There will be 2 pay periods for TIME hours during the school year--in November, and May. 

*Please review your collaborative plan with your building 

principal prior to beginning this work.

FAQ's Related to TIME Day Funding

Q: What is the window for TIME funding?

A: TIME hours take place during the school year, beginning on the first day of school and ending on the last day of school.

Q: When do we receive TIME payments?

A: There are 2 pay periods for TIME--one in November, and one in May. 

Q: Since TIME hours are collaboration hours by our team, may our entire team submit just one laserfiche form?

A: While team members are included on the form, each individual must submit a laserfiche form in order to receive payment. 

Q: What are the pay increments for TIME?

A: You may submit for payroll in increments of 4 or 8 hours.  You may opt for 4 hours in November and 4 hours in May, 8 hours in November, or 8 hours in May. 

TIME Day FORM

Keep Calm and Aim High! -- Shirt Order Form

Such a tremendous effort on the part of all staff to make today a great start to the school year!  Many have asked about the "Keep Calm and Aim High" shirts.  We are happy to share that these are available through Fully Promoted.

The store will close at 11:59 pm on Monday, September 1st. All orders will be complete on or before September 16th.  The orders will then be distributed to buildings and will not be shipped to individuals. 

Keep Calm and Aim High Order Form

* Some firewalls prevent you from getting to the credit card section.  If this occurs, please use cellular or hotspot alternatives.

This design is available in unisex and ladies t-shirts and unisex hoodies and crewnecks. (Click on the apparel tab). 

                                                            

Teacher Quality

Southeast Polk teachers have a strong commitment to professional learning.  In the 2024-2025 school year, over 150 teachers applied for teacher quality funding to advance their learning.  There are some changes to TQ this year related to the application process.  You may now apply for TQ funds through LaserFiche.  One change is that the application MUST be submitted prior to taking the course. 

Teacher Quality Funds

Teacher Quality funds will again be available to teachers wanting to take coursework to further their learning. Courses that are credit-bearing are eligible for TQ funding. Below are some frequently asked questions and clarifications.

Q: What is the window for TQ Funding?

A: The window extends across the school year.  The course must begin between August 23, 2025 and August 22, 2026. 

Q: Do I need to submit a form for approval prior to the course starting?

A: Yes.

This is the most significant new process for TQ.  Forms are submitted through LaserFiche, and MUST be submitted prior to taking the course. 

Q: I no longer need any credits to renew my license.  May I still apply for TQ funding.

A: Yes.  Courses that are credit-bearing are eligible for TQ funding.  You need not apply for the credit to receive the funds.

Q: How many courses may I take?

A: You may submit one course a year for TQ funding*. 

The process in LaserFiche will walk you through submitting your transcript and hours for payment.  Below is a link to the application form. More information regarding Teacher Quality funding may be found on the SEP Professional Development site. 

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Teacher Quality Funding

*Exceptions are made for courses available through the Department of Education and pre-approved by the district. These are noted on the LaserFiche form. 

District Professional Development--August 20th

Welcome back to another great school year!  Wednesday, August 20th is a district professional development day.  Today's blog has details on location, content, and materials needed.

The focus of professional development will be a follow up to the All Means All institute which was hosted at Southeast Polk last June--"All Means All: Putting Beliefs Into Action."  The learning targets include:

• Apply learning from the All Means All Institute to classroom practice.
  
  

• Understand and leverage our teacher leadership and instructional coaching model.
  
  

• Integrate technology and AI responsibly to support student learning and AI use.

Secondary staff will meet from 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM in the HS Auditorium.

Elementary staff will meet from 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM in the HS Auditorium.

As you attend this professional learning session, please sit with your collaborative team.  If you attended the Institute in June, please review your notes or bring them to the session. To accommodate space, there will be no laptops, and please bring something to write with.  You may also refer to the preservice document for details.

Secondary Professional Learning

Elementary Professional Learning

We are looking forward to a day of learning as we prepare to meet the needs of all of our learners at Southeast Polk!