Professional and staff development is encouraged throughout the District by providing a variety of  professional and training opportunities focused on enabling employees, at all levels, to develop the skills and competencies needed to succeed in their chosen career or to prepare for advancement in the District.  In addition, some activities are required by statute for designated groups of employees.  Below are the available options, both required and otherwise, and where to go for more information.

If you are a faculty member or administrator/manager, before you get started, take a self-assessment that may guide you in selecting the appropriate professional development activities.

• Instructor Competencies Self-Assessment:  Using this online tool, a teacher rates him- or herself in up to 31 competencies that span six different categories, and determines the areas of greatest relevance to teaching, ability, and priority.  For more information, visit http://www.calpro-online.org/competencies/instructorselfassessment.asp
• Management Competencies Self-Assessment:  Using this online tool, an administrator rates him- or herself in up to 21 competencies that span seven different categories, determines the areas of greatest relevance to his or her program and ability, and identifies whether or not this is a goal for the year.  For more information, visit http://www.calpro-online.org/competencies/managementselfassessment.asp

Faculty & Staff Development Options

• Career Development Programs:  Employees who attend classes may request vacation hours or other available leave time, may request temporary minor adjustments in their regular work schedule or may be given released time within career development program guidelines. Represented employees should review their collective bargaining agreement for requirements.
• Conferences:  Attendance at conferences and workshops related to the performance of one’s duties is encouraged and is permitted as long a one’s department’s duty obligation are met and funding is available.
• Faculty Professional Development Days:  Classroom faculty are required to participate in a given number of staff, student, and instructional improvement activities in lieu of regular classroom instruction each year.  The AFT Faculty Guild Agreement identifies specific requirements that apply to classroom and non-classroom jobs and contains the “flex calendar.”
• Business Operations / Administrative Computer Training:  The District’s business systems are continually under review and new computer modules and systems are continually being implemented.   The District Office’s Human Resources and Information Technology Divisions conduct numerous workshops and training sessions for employees whose jobs require the use of the District’s computer systems.  Information Technology and/or Human Resources at the District Office sends email notifications to employees in designated job areas of the training sessions.
• Compliance Training: Mandatory training sessions on compliance-related issues based on the employee’s role in the District are offered. Frequency and content of the training depends on applicable changes and updates to local, state, and federal laws and regulations.
• Retirement Planning Workshops:  The District’s Retirement Services Unit sponsors several retirement planning workshops throughout the year.  Although the thrust of these workshops is for employees nearing or planning retirement, much of the information is highly beneficial for employees starting their careers.
• Risk Management and Safety Training Programs:   A variety of safety programs are offered throughout the District for employees whose jobs involve handling and disposing of hazardous chemicals, heavy lifting, etc. Training programs such as emergency preparedness are conducted at each location.  The area overseeing the training notifies employees of when training is scheduled and, most importantly, if the training is required.
• Tuition Reimbursement Plans:  Full-time employees who desire to continue their education may be eligible for tuition reimbursement.  Represented employees should review their  collective bargaining agreement for requirements.