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Professional Learning Framework

Bartlett City Schools (BCS) emphasizes the importance of investing in the professional development of its educators and fostering a culture of continuous learning. Here's an overview of the district's framework for professional learning:

Overview

  1. Commitment to Growth: BCS believes that educators are the district's greatest resource, and continuous professional development leads to empowered leadership in every classroom.
  2. Data-Driven Decisions: Professional learning is planned based on multiple data sources, including formal and informal observation data, student achievement, growth data, and feedback from stakeholders.
  3. Collaborative Learning: Time for collaboration, discussion, shared planning, and observation is prioritized as it is viewed as essential for long-term growth.

 

Key Professional Learning Opportunities

  1. District-Wide In-Service Days
    • Set aside for professional learning as per the State Board of Education Policy 5.200.
    • Educators engage in collaborative learning, earning Professional Development Points (PDPs) for license renewal.
    • The sessions align with the Standards for Professional Learning adopted by Tennessee.
  2. Flex Professional Learning Days
    • Educators are required to earn 24 Flex hours per year, which cover the following built-in Flex PD Days:

                                               i.     November 24th and 25th

                                             ii.     December 22nd and 23rd

    • Flex hours are earned outside of contracted work hours and must align with the educator’s current assignment or district goals.
    • Flex hours must be tracked through the district’s online platform.

 

Professional Learning Options and Guidelines

  1. Presenters
    • Educators wishing to facilitate professional learning sessions must submit a request at least two weeks before the session.
    • Sessions may earn both Flex hours and PDPs.
    • Presenters receive Flex credits for the length of their session plus an addition two Flex credits for the planning and preparation required. 
  2. Conferences and Out-of-District Learning

·      Must be submitted for approval at least two weeks in advance.

·      Relevant to the educator's current role and district goals.

·      Flex hours and district funding are not guaranteed for out-of-district learning.

  1. College Courses
    • Up to 12 hours of Flex credit for relevant courses.
    • Must submit for approval two weeks before the start of the course.
    • Transcripts must be submitted to verify successful completion.
  2. Book Studies
    • Approval must be sought at least two weeks before the start.
    • Must involve three opportunities to collaborate (in-person or Zoom) with participants attending at least two of those three opportunities.
    • Each participant submits a completed reflection guide for final credit.
    • Participants earn 10 Flex credits; Facilitators earn 12 Flex credits.
  3. Professional Learning Communities (PLCs)
    • Can count for up to 10 hours of Flex credit, if the PLC occurs outside of contracted work hours.
    • Meetings must focus on instructional planning or the 4 guiding PLC questions.
    • Notes from each meeting must be submitted to verify learning.
  4. Webinars
    • Can count for up to 10 hours of Flex credit.
    • Must align with the educator’s current work and district goals.
    • Certificates or reflection forms must be submitted within two weeks.
  5. Athletic Coaching
    • Workshops and clinics related to athletic coaching can earn up to 10 hours of Flex credit, if aligned with district goals.
  6. Social Media Coordinators
    • Educators working as Social Media Coordinators may earn up to 10 hours of Flex credit for work completed outside contracted hours.
    • Documentation of hours is required.

 

Tracking and Deadlines

  1. Tracking Professional Learning: Educators can track their hours via the district’s online platform, Vector.
  2. Flex Hours Requirements:
    • A minimum of 12 Flex hours must be completed by December 5th, 2025, with the remaining 12 hours due by April 10th, 2026. Specific dates change year by year.
    • Hours may carry over from the first semester to the second semester but not from one school year to another.
    • Educators who do not meet the deadlines will face payroll deductions.
    • Special circumstances regarding Flex hour requirements will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

 

Questions and Support

  • For any questions or clarifications, educators should first contact their school building-level administrators.
  • For further assistance, the Professional Development and Evaluation Supervisor is available to help – Dr. Taylor Tartera (ttartera@bartlettschools.org).
  • This structured approach to professional development ensures that Bartlett City Schools' educators have the necessary tools and opportunities for growth, enhancing their impact on student success.