Reminder: Registration for Teacher Quality Courses & Study Groups is Open

Registration for Teacher Quality Courses and Study Groups begins today and ends Sept. 16, 2016. Teacher Quality (TQ) courses and study groups meet for 15 hours off contract time and participants are eligible for a stipend upon completion. New staff members are eligible to sign up for these opportunities.  

The amount of the stipend is established after registration closes. Last year eligible staff members were paid $640 to participate in a course or study group and were paid $600 in 2014-15. The amount for 2016-17 will be determined when registration closes on Sept. 14. Classes and study groups will be offered from Oct. 2016 through June 2017.

Here is a frequently asked questions document that will help answer questions.

Professional Development Redesign TQ Option
The current work of the Professional Development Cade and Work Groups is taking longer than expected to develop and package for delivery to staff. In light of that, 15 hours of TQ pay is being offered for interested agency staff to pilot some of the PD Redesign materials as they are developed. Participants will pilot pre-assessments, engage in online content in at least three areas identified for agency professional learning: adult learning, data and assessment and instruction. 

The time participants spend in the different areas reviewing content will vary depending on knowledge and skills, experiences, work style, etc. Participants might also complete modules in some additional areas (Behavior, Child Find, Early Childhood, Problem Solving and Technology) if they haven't used up all their TQ hours in the first three content areas. Participants will give feedback to work group leads through online surveys and focus groups held through Zoom. Most of the content will be online but learning activities, etc. can be done with a partner or a small group. The amount of time spent in online modules could vary based on a participant’s background and experiences. Staff members will complete the modules between Oct. 2016 and April 2017. Video instructions will be sent to participants when modules are available.