Teacher Quality (TQ) course options for 2013-14 will be in The Connection next Monday. The TQ Committee decided to spread courses and study groups out over the year to give staff more time to participate. These options are open to Certified staff only. We ask that you use your professional judgment as to what course or study group you sign up for. This should be something you will use in your current position. Registration for TQ will be open from September 17 through October 1, 2013. You must be registered on or before October 1 to participate.
There are two types of offerings: study groups and courses. The dates for the courses will be listed, but as we did last year, you will register for the study group and study group participants will form their own groups. If a staff member wants to participate in a study group and can’t find colleagues to join the group, Sue Schirmer will assign a study group.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I still get paid if I did not attend the whole class?
A: No. Participants must attend the full class to receive payment.
Q: Why is there such a short time frame to register for courses?
A: The Teacher Quality Committee wants to offer courses/study groups over the entire year so staff members have more time to take a course. The amount of money that staff members will be paid can’t be calculated until everyone is registered.
Q: Can I change courses if I have a conflict?
A: Yes. This is done a few times each year. It is the exception, not the rule.
Q: I looked online and can’t find any TQ course offerings.
A: Because the options are not open to anyone (only Heartland AEA Certified employees), they are not listed on the catalog. You will need the activity number to go online and register through Universal Registration.
Q: Can I do more than one activity?
A: Yes, you can do more than one activity; however, you will only be able to receive TQ money for one activity.
Q: I took a class last year; can I retake the class this year?
A: TQ is intended for new staff learning. Participants can only be paid for classes they have not taken before. Also, if you are using the course for renewal of your license, you cannot use the same course (or one with the same title) if you have used it in the past.
Q: What if the TQ class is full?
A: If a TQ offering is full, we will try to get an additional section set up for participants. If this is not possible, you will have the option to enroll in a different offering that is not full. So that we can determine if another section is needed, please sign up for the offering as a wait list participant.
Q: What do we need to do in order to form a study group (this is not the case for “classes” as those have instructors, dates and times already set)?
A: Study groups need to have at least four people involved (one person to be the facilitator and three people as participants). Once registration is closed, sections will be established based on geographic regions. Participants will then be notified about the membership of their group(s). At that time, groups will need to collaborate to choose a facilitator (who cannot earn credit) and when and where they will meet.
Q: What are the responsibilities of study group facilitators?
A: If you are leading a study group, you still need to register. You will receive an extra $50 for being the study group facilitator. If participants in the study group take the course for Drake credit, you will also earn the Drake stipend. You will not be able to receive credit. As the facilitator, you will be responsible for ensuring the group completes meeting logs, the final concept paper and addendum pay forms. Facilitators also must determine and issue grades and record those in the web-based instructor center. If you are facilitating a study group, you can participate in other TQ options, but you would only be paid for the one you are facilitating. As a facilitator you do not need to be a content expert, but must be able to facilitate the group learning. You must also have a vita on file with professional development.
Q: What if the activity I sign up for does not have enough participants?
A: If a course or study group does not have enough participants, you will have an opportunity to sign up for a different activity. You will be notified if the activity does not have enough participants.
Q: Can I use the credit to move on the salary schedule?
A: The credits from TQ offerings can be used to move on the salary schedule. Please make sure that you review the procedures outlined in the HEA agreement and complete the needed steps for using TQ offerings to move on the salary schedule. This is the responsibility of the staff member.
Q: Can I take a TQ offering during contract time?
A: Yes, however, this requires prior supervisor approval. If participating in the TQ offering on work time, you will not get paid TQ money and will not be able to use the credit to advance on the salary schedule.
Q: Can Classified staff participate in TQ offerings?
A: Classified staff can participate in TQ offerings but are not able to be paid out of TQ money.
Q: How much money will I receive for participating in TQ this year?
A: After registration closes and we know how many people are participating, we will be able to determine the amount of money people will receive for TQ. We are anticipating that the amounts will be similar to last year.
Q: What are the deadlines?
A: Registration for TQ courses and study groups begins September 16 and closes October 1. Courses and study groups will take place between October and June 30, 2014. All learning opportunities must be completed by June 30, which is the end of our fiscal year.
If you have any other questions about TQ courses, contact Sue Schirmer, Professional Learning & Leadership Consultant at sschirmer@heartlandaea.org or ext. 14379 or your discipline facilitator. If you have questions about payments or stipends, contact Kevin Fangman, Executive Director of District Services, at kfangman@heartlandaea.org or ext. 14374.
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