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Professional and Staff Development Policy 1610/7800

Purpose

ENCSD is committed to fostering an inclusive, supportive, and highly skilled workforce by providing meaningful and equitable professional and staff development opportunities.  ENCSD’s professional development policy shall be implemented in full compliance with all applicable federal and state laws, regulations, and guidelines.

ASL interpreting will be provided for all professional development activities as required by the ADA and Section 504.

Definitions

  • Professional Development: Structured learning activities intended to improve the knowledge, skills, and effectiveness of licensed and non-licensed employees per OSHR 25 NCAC O1H.0202 and NCDPI TCP-A-019.
  • Licensed Employees: Staff members who are required by NCDPI to hold licensure for their positions (N.C.G.S. § 115C-270.20).
  • Non-licensed employees: Staff members who are not required to hold licensure through NCDPI but play vital roles in school operations.
  • Continuing Education Unit (CEU): A standard measure of participation in qualified, non-credit, professional education and training programs

I. Policy Statement

Professional development is essential to supporting student achievement, staff retention, equity, and a positive school culture.  ENCSD requires all employees, licensed and non-licensed, to engage in ongoing professional learning as a condition of employment and to meet licensure (NCDPI 16 NCAC 06C.0401), performance (OSHR 25 NCAC 01l.2307), and compliance (FERPA, OSHA, ADA) standards.

ENCSD will provide high-quality, job-embedded, and accessible professional learning that:

  • Supports school improvement priorities
  • Reflects the unique needs of a Deaf and hard of hearing population
  • Aligns with state and federal guidelines
  • Promotes ethical behavior, cultural responsiveness, and inclusive practices
  • Advances communication, including ASL fluency and cultural competency
  • Facilitates the earning of Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for licensed staff to meet renewal requirements and enhance instructional expertise.

II. Professional Learning Expectations

  1. Licensed Staff
    • Must participate in annual professional development to maintain licensure as required by NCDPI (16 NCAC 06C.0402)
    • Required to complete training in ASL, Deaf Culture, instructional practices, digital learning, equity, and compliance topics
    • Participation is tracked through NCEES
  2. Non-licensed Staff
    • Required to attend ENCSD-sponsored staff development that supports job performance, safety, communication (including ASL classes), and understanding Deaf Culture
    • May be required to complete additional training based on departmental needs (examples: CPI, CPR, OSHA, etc.)
  3. ASL Proficiency Development
    • Staff members who are not fluent in American Sign Language are required to attend ASL instruction two (2) to three (3) days per week during the school year or as otherwise scheduled
    • ASL classes are considered a required component of job-related professional development and are essential for fostering inclusive communication throughout the school.
  4. Annual Training Requirements
    • All Employees are expected to complete annual training in mandatory topics, including but not limited to:
      • Child abuse and mandatory reporting (N.C.G.S. 7B-301)
      • FERPA and student data privacy (20 U.S.C. § 1232g)
      • Civil rights and discrimination (Title VI, Title IX)
      • Workplace safety and emergency procedures (OSHA 29 CFR 1910)
      • Appropriate staff-student relations (ENCSD Policy 4040/7310)

III. ASL and Accessibility Accommodations

ENCSD is committed to ensuring that all professional development opportunities are accessible to Deaf and hard of hearing staff.

The following accommodations will be made as appropriate:

  • ASL interpretation
  • Captioned videos and presentations
  • Written transcripts of audio content
  • Accessible presentation materials
  • Deaf-friendly delivery practices

Supervisors and Human Resources will work with staff in advance to arrange necessary accommodations.

IV. Planning and Implementation

The Superintendent or designee shall:

  • Ensure alignment of all professional development offers with ENCSD’s strategic goals and state requirements
  • Coordinate with NCDPI and OSHR to maintain compliance with licensure and personnel regulations
  • Allocate time and resources for job-embedded and continuous learning
  • Collaborate with department heads to assess and respond to training needs
  • Monitor and evaluation participation and impact of professional development

V. Payment of Costs

ENCSD will consider paying reasonable costs, within budget limits, for any courses, workshops, seminars, conferences, in-service training session, or other sessions an employee is required to attend.  The employee must seek prior approval to attend.

ENCSD will not bear the responsibility of the cost of training taken solely for the purposes of licensure renewal.

ENCSD may authorize certain personnel to receive reimbursement for travel expenses incurred in the performance of their duties.  Such reimbursement is subject to the availability of funds.

Mileage reimbursement rates will be established annually by the state of North Carolina.

VI. Documentation and Records

Participation in required professional development shall be documented and retained in the employee's personnel file or through the state’s designated tracking system.  Failure to participate in required training may result in disciplinary action up to and including dismissal, in accordance with ENCSD policy and OSHR guidance.

Legal References

  • Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
  • Americans with Disabilities Act (42 U.S.C. § 12101 et seq.)
  • Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (29 U.S.C. § 794)
  • Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (20 U.S.C. § 1232g)
  • North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 115C
  • OSHR Equal Employment Opportunity Policy (25 NCAC 01H .0200)
  • NCDPI Professional Development and Licensure Standards
Policy