Common use of PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS Clause in Contracts

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS. Realizing the importance of a sustained professional development program that supports continuous professional growth and student learning, the Berkshire Hills Education Association will work with the Berkshire Hills Regional School District’s Director of Learning and Teaching to create and appoint members to a standing District wide Professional Development Committee. The Committee will serve under the leadership of the Director of Learning and Teaching and make recommendations directly to the Superintendent through the Director of Learning and Teaching. In recognizing that there are many methods by which a teacher may improve his or her professional background, the District will pay towards the reasonable expenses (including fees, lodging, and transportation) incurred by teachers who attend workshops, seminars, conferences, school visits, or other professional improvements sessions at the request and/or with the advance approval of the appropriate Principal or Superintendent. Upon request of the teacher or administrator, and with the approval of the Superintendent, leaves shall be granted for the purpose of visiting other schools or attending meetings or conferences of an educational nature. All professional development requests need to have written pre-approval of the Principal or immediate supervisor. Such approval shall be distributed equitably. Further, the Berkshire Hills Education Association agrees to provide financial assistance of $1,000 annually to support professional development programming.