In these tough times as we scour every budget line item in search of savings and unfortunately a common target has become professional development. I am a strong supporter of both professional development and lifelong learning for school employees. It probably goes without saying that every member of MSBO has a tougher and more complex role then they did five years ago. We are all doing more with fewer resources and in many cases, with less time to accomplish our jobs.
Sometimes the amount allocated to your department’s professional development budget may be out of your control, therefore, I think it is something you must advocate for in your district. It is both a necessity for personal growth and in some instances a protection from risk for both you and your district.
GET IT IN YOUR CONTRACT AND THE BUDGET
There are many strategies to help guard against having your professional development budget cut or eliminated. One strategy is to build it into your personal contract as a condition of employment. A stipend or allocation that can be used on an annual basis or even carried over if not fully expended is a great employee benefit. If you have control or input regarding the compensation system in your district, make MSBO certification a requirement to advance on your pay scale. You may also want to make continued certification a requirement for employment. This may also help make the case to provide an appropriate budget for staff to maintain certification.
PLAN YOUR PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Another way to stay up to date is to plan your professional development a year or two in advance. A budget line item with an actual plan, like a technology plan, is always tougher to cut then an unplanned allocation, like a basic supply line. Present your plan for your professional development to your supervisor as part of your annual review. Target your professional development towards a MSBO certification or an educational degree. A plan tied to a timeline or succession of classes is always more effective then a random list of options.
Work with others in your district or region to share coverage of professional development if needed. The reality is that we can’t all be everywhere for everything, and it can be very valuable to partner with a colleague to cover meetings for each other at times. Understand and utilize the difference between professional development and meetings to your own benefit in your district.
With the high stakes of increased reporting and ever changing laws and regulations, you can’t afford to stay put in your office because the profession will pass you by very quickly! Be engaged in your association at both regional and state levels, taking advantage of informational meetings and professional development opportunities. The time or job you save by being educated may be YOUR OWN!!