Start the Year on a Positive Note
Consider these "housekeeping" items
The return to school in August is an especially busy time for everyone. Educators have so many things to prepare and plan—learning environment (how does your classroom look to your students?), lesson plans or your daily schedule for those who are specialists, grade and attendance records, well you get the picture. In addition to performing all the essential functions of your position there are other “housekeeping” items to consider:
1) TAC — Each school or central work location, where the majority of the faculty desires it, shall establish a Teacher Advisory Council (TAC). “Time for discussion relating to the desire of the faculty to have a TAC shall be provided each faculty at the orientation sessions and/or faculty meetings routinely scheduled at the start of the school year.” The election of TAC shall be no later than November 1. Review Article 10 of the Negotiated Agreement for more information.
In addition to TAC, each school now has the option to create a School Governance Team. This team shall have the same objectives as the School Empowerment Team model, which includes providing continued oversight of the school and assist in the management decisions of the school in the five autonomies: governance, budget, instruction, staffing, and time.
2) Salary Class Advancement — If you have completed professional growth credits, make sure you have submitted paperwork for advancement to a new salary class. You should also include approved school district in-service courses and workshops. Review Article 26 for more information.
3) Planning for Professional Growth — If you are uncertain if the courses you plan to take now comply with the provisions of the Negotiated Agreement for salary class advancement, you may submit your list of courses on district form CCF-160 prior to taking the courses. The Human Resources Division will respond within eight (8) days after the request has been submitted and all necessary documentation has been received. Review Article 26-3-5 for more information.
4) Information You Should Keep Accessible — Read and understand your staff handbook and the district’s Acceptable Use Policy for Interact. Your signature on these documents means you have read and understand the contents. Special attention should be given to sections of the handbook that deal with calling in sick, contacting substitute services, the school’s discipline plan, etc.
5) Personal Property at Work — Employees are discouraged from bringing or retaining personal property on school district premises. But we all know you need it and have to take it to work. At least semi-annually an employee must receive supervisor authorization and maintain a declaration form itemizing personal items and corresponding business use in order to activate indemnification up to $1,000 (replacement cost) per employee occurrence (automobiles are not covered). You should be able to get a declaration form in the school office. Review Article 11 for more information.
6) Progressive Student Discipline — Teachers should meet with the principal regarding an AB 521 Committee to deal with disciplinary issues. Nevada Revised Statute 392.463 also provides that parents should be involved.
7) Paycheck — You should check your pay stub on September 25th to ensure that any personal leave days you earned for the previous year are credited. Review Article 20 for further information. Also, check to make sure you are credited with a Universal Personal Leave Day and your accumulated sick leave credit is accurate.
8) Sick Leave Pool — If you are not currently a contributing participant in the Sick Leave Pool there is an open enrollment “window” from September 1 to September 30. Review Article 18-11 for details.
9) Extra-Duty Assignments — Article 22-7 provides that involuntary assignments be made on an equitable basis.
10) Preparation Periods — Your schedule should include a daily preparation period during the student day. Elementary school and schools on block scheduling should have at least 250 minutes per week. Do not give away your preparation period.
Newly adopted language provides that the school district cannot take more than 4 preparation periods per school year and must provide you with at least 48-hour notice; at least 10 minutes must be left for use at teacher’s discretion; and school district directed prep periods taken beyond 4 shall be paid at teacher’s daily rate of pay. Review Article 31 for more information.
11) Fall Surplus — If you are notified that you will be involuntarily transferred (surplussed) in September, you should contact your UniServ Director at CCEA. Review Article 35 for additional information.
12) Investigatory Meetings — You are entitled to a representative. You should call CCEA immediately upon receipt of a notice to meet with your supervisor. Ask your Association Representative or UniServ Director for a card outlining your Weingarten Rights. Review Article 36 regarding notice and the right to know what the meeting is about.
13) Observations & Evaluations — Keep a log of when your supervisor observes you. Nevada Revised Statute sets a minimum number of minutes your supervisor must observe you. You should also keep all copies of observation notes and any written directions for change. Review Article 14-3-1.
14) Dress Code — There is one dress code adopted by the School Board of Trustees. Individual schools cannot impose additional rules regarding educators’ attire. See CCSD Regulation 4280 – Dress and Grooming – All Employees.
This looks like a very long list of additional things to do. Most of these things can be accomplished in just a few minutes. Use this as your checklist. You may also call your UniServ Director at 733-3063 or e-mail UniServ@ccea-nv.org with questions and/or concerns. Do not e-mail to ask for a representative for an investigatory meeting — you should call 733-3063 and let reception know you have an investigatory meeting and your call will be routed to the appropriate staff person. The Negotiated Agreement between CCEA and CCSD can be accessed by clicking here.
Have a happy and successful 2010-2011 school year.