Number:	433
Section:	Professional Employees
Title:	Professional Development
Date Adopted:	April 24, 2001
Date Revised:	October 25, 2005
Purpose Continuing professional study and in-service training are prerequisites for professional development, enhanced ability to complete responsibilities, and maintaining certification. Authority The Board encourages all professional employees to further their professional and personal advancement through graduate courses, in-service training, and professional development activities. Guidelines • Graduate/Special Courses Guidelines Only courses of study that are preapproved by the Superintendent or his or her designee will be eligible for reimbursement by the district or movement on the salary schedule. Horizontal salary moves and reimbursement for credits for approved graduate study or special courses will be made in accordance with the terms of the collective bargaining agreement and with District procedures. Credits taken for compliance with Act 48 requirements will be submitted in accordance with District procedures and state regulations. • Induction Plan The district shall comply with Department of Education regulations in developing and maintaining an induction plan for first-year teachers, teachers new to the district, and teachers who change assignments. All employees shall adhere to the requirements stated in the School District of Upper Moreland Township’s Teacher Induction Program. • Professional Education Plan In order to develop the professional education plan, the Board will create a professional education committee and will appoint thereto parents and representatives of the community and local businesses. Representatives of administrators, teachers, and educational specialists on the professional education committee shall be selected by their respective members. The professional education committee will develop and submit to the Board for its approval a professional education plan that will meet the educational needs of the district, the Strategic Plan, and the employees, students, and community; that specifies approved courses, programs, activities and learning experiences; and that identifies approved providers. The Board must approve the plan prior to submission to the Department of Education for approval. The professional education committee will conduct an ongoing review of the district’s professional education plan to determine if the plan continues to meet the needs of the district, the Strategic Plan, and the employees, students, and community. Based on the review, the professional education committee may recommend amendments to the plan, subject to approval by the Board and the Department of Education. The Board may approve, on a case-by-case basis, specific professional education activities not stated within the district’s professional education plan. Board approval is not required for credits or hours required for professional certification, earned through activities conducted by providers approved by the Department of Education or the Department itself, or related to the area of assignment or certification. If the district reimburses any of the costs, the Board may disapprove any course, program, activity or learning experience that is inconsistent with the goals of the professional education plan. In order to continue employment in the district, professional employees must meet all obligations necessary to maintain active certification.