The Board of Education believes that study is a prerequisite for professional growth of staff and, therefore, encourages the participation of professional staff members in in-service and other training programs.

The Superintendent shall plan and implement a program of staff development for professional staff members and support staff members, and explore other training programs.

Such staff development programs should be designed to address the professional development needs of staff members who are working at a particular level, involved in a particular course or subject, or need to be prepared for a new assignment.

Whenever feasible, principals should participate with their staff members in order to ensure better follow-up and support.

The Board may reimburse staff members for the costs incurred in participation therein, subject to prior approval of the Superintendent.

During the first three (3) years of employment, each nontenured professional staff member shall be provided fifteen (15) days of professional development related to his/her Individual Development Plan. The Superintendent shall also arrange for the assignment to each such staff member of one or more mentors who have demonstrated proficiency in the teaching skills established in the staff member's IDP.

The Superintendent shall arrange to provide each member of the teaching staff with at least five (5) days of professional development annually. These days shall be in addition to any of the required fifteen (15) days of professional development provided to non-tenured teachers during their first three (3) years of teaching.

M.C.L.A. 380.1526, 380.1527