The following procedure implements policy 5:100, Staff Development Program. It sets professional growth requirements. 105 ILCS 5/24-5. Failure to meet professional growth requirements is considered remediable. Morris v. Ill. State Bd. of Educ., 198 Ill.App.3d 51 (3rd Dist. 1990). 

This procedure is consistent with the minimum requirements of State law. If the District has a local collective bargaining agreement, it may contain provisions that differ from this procedure. When the procedure’s subject matter is superseded by a bargaining agreement, insert the following: “Please refer to the current [insert name of any applicable CBA].” 

Implementation of Staff Development Program

All District-sponsored staff development programs, including in-services, shall be approved by the Superintendent. Staff development opportunities exist through the following:

A.  Planned in-service programs, courses, seminars, and workshops are offered within the District.

Every staff member is encouraged to suggest topics, formats, and speakers for in-service meetings. Suggestions should be given to the Superintendent or any member of the advisory committee, if one exists.

B.  Visits to other classrooms and schools, as well as attendance at conferences, workshops, and other meetings may be requested.

With the Superintendent’s approval, staff members may be released with full pay to:

• Attend professional conventions and meetings, visit exemplary programs, as well as participate in other professional growth activities. At the time of approval, the Superintendent will indicate which expenses, if any, will be reimbursed by the District. After participation, a written report must be submitted to the Superintendent summarizing the activity’s highlights.

• Serve as speakers, consultants, or resource persons outside the District. The staff member accepting such assignments may not accept any fee or honorarium other than a reasonable fee for preparation done outside of the working day. The employee or the institution receiving the services is responsible for travel, lodging, meal expenses, and for substitute costs if any are incurred.

• Attend training and staff development programs sponsored by an Educational Service Center (105 ILCS 5/2-3.62), the Illinois State Board of Education, a Regional Office of Education, the Illinois Association of School Boards, or any other professionally-sponsored education program. At the time of approval, the Superintendent will indicate which expenses, if any, will be reimbursed by the District. After participation, a written report must be submitted to the Superintendent summarizing the activity’s highlights.

C.  Leaves of absence for advanced training and internships are governed by School Board policy and/or collective bargaining agreements, if any.

D.  The topics to be covered on days declared as Teacher Institutes (TI) must be approved by the Regional Offices of Education (ROE) or Intermediate Service Centers (ISC), whichever is applicable, governing the schools of that region. The request for approval should be submitted to the Regional Superintendent (for ROEs) or Chief Administrative Officer (for ISCs) at least 30 days prior to the event.

E.  Many opportunities for on-going professional development opportunities exist. Staff members are encouraged to discuss their plans for identifying and optimizing these opportunities with their supervisors.

F.  For nutrition directors and school nutrition professionals, the annual training standards for school nutrition professionals. 7 C.F.R. Parts 210 and 235.

LEGAL REF.:    Morris v. Ill. State Bd. of Educ., 198 Ill.App.3d 51 (3rd Dist. 1990)

    , 42 U.S.C. §1758b, Pub. L. 111-296, Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010.

7 C.F.R. Parts 210 and 235.

105 ILCS 5/2-3.48, 5/2-3.53, 5/2-3.56, 5/2-3.59, 5/2-3.62, 5/3-11, 5/3-14.8, 5/10-20.17a, 5/10-20.61, 5/10-22.6(c-5), 5/10-22.39, 5/10-23.12, 5/10-23.13, 5/22-80(h), and 5/24-5. 

105 ILCS 25/1.15, Interscholastic Athletic Organization Act.

105 ILCS 110/3, Critical Health Problems and Comprehensive Health Education Act.

23 Ill.Admin.Code §§ 22.20, 226.800, and Part 525.

77 Ill.Admin.Code §527.800.

UPDATED:    December 3, 2021