There’s money for that special class you’ve been meaning to take.
Approximately thirty members have accessed the fund for individual educational classes and training. By using all the money in the fund we send a clear message to the District on the importance of professional development among our members. With our contract year unresolved, as it is this year, the use of these funds is very important.
Q. What is the fund?
A. It is a fund of eighteen thousand dollars ($18,000.00) available to NESPA members for individual staff development training that may include tuition, registration fees and substitutes. Prior approval for use of the funds must be obtained through the fund application form included in this newsletter. (2008-2010 NESPA Contract- Article 25.10) Consideration for approval is based on the funds available, the relationship of the class to the employee’s immediate job performance, the needs of the District, the professional growth it will add to an employee’s abilities, skills, job-related interests and the employee’s access to other professional development money.
Initially, one request for funds per member, not to exceed $200.00, will be considered. Requests are reviewed upon receipt and you are notified promptly by phone or email.
Q. How do I start?
A. You start by filling out the Professional Development Fund Application Form included on our NESPA Blog or obtained from your building communicator.
The easy-to-follow directions are right on the form but if you need further assistance, your building communicator can help there too.
Q. What if we want to use it to pay for a class in our school?
A. If your school would like host a training for it’s members the application and approval process would be the same-with a few minor differences.
Q. Where does one find classes?
A. Check your staff room bulletin board first. Organizations like the Institute for Educational Dev. (IED); Bureau of Education & Research (BER) and Staff Dev. Resources (SDR) send mailers to schools on a regular basis. Puget Sound ESD and the area community colleges offer great professional/personal development classes as well. The NEA and WEA may also have a comprehensive list of educational trainings.
You could also try to Google your area of interest using words like educational seminar, workshop, or training.
