ARTICLE 12
12.1. There shall be a Beginning Teacher Support Program (“Program”). It will be a BTSA compliant program serving those unit members eligible for State funding.
12.2 The Program shall be jointly administered by the Peer Assistance and Review Program Panel pursuant to the provisions of sections 13.2 insofar as they are consistent with BTSA requirements.
12.3 Commencing with the 2001 – 2002 school year the Program shall provide its service through full time released support providers on a ratio of 1:15-18.
12.4. Coaches:
12.4.1. The number of coaches to be released shall be determined by the number of eligible teachers.
12.4.2. Coaches shall have staggered terms; the first Lead Coach shall have a four and one-half year term and be identified and employed for the second semester of 1998 – 1999 through June 30, 2003.
12.4.3. The remaining coaches shall have a three year term.
12.4.4. Nothing herein shall prohibit a coach from reapplying for an additional term.
12.4.5. All such terms are subject to annual evaluation by the Panel.
12.4.5.1. The documentation of such evaluation shall not be made a part of the coach’s personnel file except upon the express written request of the individual coach.
12.4.6. The parties do not see this position as a part of the career ladder of an individual who seeks to be an administrator in the District.
12.4.7. Prior to starting service as a coach, each person so selected shall sign an agreement which provides, in part, that it is his/her intent to return to the classroom after leaving the Program.
12.4.8. Coaches shall have responsibility for 15 - 18 eligible teachers.
12.4.9. Coaches shall have a 183 day workyear. The PAR Panel shall schedule the workyear for coaches and may add additional days (at per diem compensation) as necessary.
12.4.10. There shall be a Lead Coach with a workload of 10; this reduced workload shall be in recognition of additional responsibilities which shall include, but not be limited to, scheduling the work of the peer coaches and facilitating the work of the PAR Panel. The workyear for this position shall be 193 days (at per diem compensation) but may be adjusted by the Panel.
12.4.11. At the conclusion of their service, coaches shall have return rights to a position for which the individual is qualified at their school of origination. If there is no open position, a position will be created by an involuntary transfer of the least senior teacher. [Source: current Agreement, §5.9.]
12.4.12. Coaches shall have the responsibility of working confidentially with eligible teachers in a strictly assist mode.
12.4.13. Coaches are expected to communicate effectively and appropriately with the school principal with regards to all aspects of the program.
12.4.14. Evaluators may provide coaches with copies of beginning teachers' goals and objectives, interim evaluations, and improvement plans.
12.4.15. Coaches’ performance assessments of eligible teachers shall be formative and shall not be shared with administrators; nor shall such assessments be used for employment-related evaluations, as a condition of employment, or as a basis for terminating employment.
12.4.16. Utilizing funds from the Program, Coaches may provide release days and conference attendance as developmental tools for eligible teachers.
12.4.17. Eligible Teachers participating in the Program shall be required to spend up to five (5) hours per year beyond their regular workday for purposes of completing their formative portfolio. These hours shall be compensated at the non-instructional hourly rate [currently $20.00 per hour].
[Article 7 (Workyear): add new section 7.1.5 (Length), using same language as 12.4.17 above.]