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Professional Development and Approved Coursework for Teachers of the East Islip School District

The East Islip School District’s Professional Development Program is designed to support student learning by meeting the needs and interests of the instructional and support staffs. A district Professional Development Committee comprised of administrators, teachers and parent/community members, chaired by the assistant superintendent for instruction and personnel, create the district’s Professional Development Plan. The plan takes into account Board of Education goals, the district’s instructional and program goals, and training for federal and state mandated programs. Areas of the program include: strengthening teacher instructional practice and performance through Charlotte Danielson’s Framework for Teaching and Learning, integrating the Common Core Standards into the instructional program, continuing our Response to Intervention program to accommodate learner needs, and providing age-appropriate activities to support the Dignity for All Students Act (DASA).  The assistant superintendent for instruction and personnel works in collaboration with district administrators to develop, present and support the district’s professional development plan.

Teachers may also participate in professional development opportunities beyond a master’s level degree by requesting prior approval of additional in-service courses and workshops they wish to attend. Opportunities include: master’s or post-master’s accredited courses from a college or university, teacher center courses, NYSUT courses, BOCES courses, and district-approved workshops. In order for approval to be granted, courses are expected to be aligned with a teacher’s specific work assignment and geared toward improving instructional practice and learning opportunities for students. Such requests are reviewed individually by the assistant superintendent for instruction and personnel for their relevance to a teacher’s specific assignment prior to approval being granted. Final credit (and advancement on the salary schedule) is awarded after proof of completion of the course or workshop has been submitted and reviewed by the personnel office.  

Professional development in the East Islip School District is a collaborative effort designed to enrich and enhance teacher and administrative skills and knowledge, thereby promoting rigorous and relevant opportunities for growth for all students.

FAQ

1. How many in-service and/or college course credits are needed for a teacher to earn a salary  increment (increase) in one year?
Answer: They are permitted one salary increment (increase) per year and must earn 15 credits (in service/college credit) for this increase.

2. Can teachers apply hours from district conference days or workshops toward a salary increase?
Answer: No. Staff development conducted on district time or teachers paid by the district on their time do not count toward salary increases.

3. What is the average dollar increase for teachers receiving a salary increase for the 15 credits?
Answer: $2,400.

4. Are there guidelines for courses or workshops that can be taken by a teacher for advancement on the teachers’ salary schedule?
Answer: Yes. Teachers must receive prior approval for courses or workshops by the assistant superintendent for instruction and personnel. In order for approval to be granted, courses are expected to be aligned with a teacher’s specific work assignment and geared toward improving instructional practice and learning opportunities for students.