Frequently Asked Questions
Note that the Collaborative Project is no longer an active effort. The frequently asked questions are shared for the purpose of providing insight into the elements of services and structures as they existed during the piloted experience. If you have questions or would like additional information regarding the Collaborative Project effort, you may contact the Public School Forum at 919-781-6833.
Select a question to link directly to the corresponding answer or you may simply scroll down the page.
1) Who is eligible to participate in the professional development opportunities sponsored by the Collaborative Project?
2) Will teachers receive renewal credit for the professional development days sponsored by the Collaborative Project?
3) Which school systems are included in the Collaborative Project?
4) Why were these school systems chosen to participate in the pilot Collaborative Project?
5) How long will the Collaborative Project last?
6) How soon will teachers receive the $150 per day stipend after participating in professional development opportunities sponsored by the Collaborative Project?
7) How will the annual bonuses for elementary and middle grade teachers be awarded?
8) When did the Collaborative Project officially begin?
9) Are there any obligations of a teacher to remain with the participating school system as a result of receiving incentive awards?
10) What criteria determines annual incentive bonuses?
________________________________________________________________________________
1) Who is eligible to participate in the professional development opportunities sponsored by the Collaborative Project?
All elementary and middle grade teachers in the participating five school systems are eligible to participate in the professional development opportunities that are offered on select Saturdays during the school year and select days during the summer, although some opportunities are specific to certain licensure areas. High school teachers are only eligible for professional development that is directly related to obtaining National Board Certification. All eligible teachers (elementary, middle grades and high school) will receive a $150 per day stipend for attending each six-hour instructional day of professional development. Teachers are eligible for up to 9 days of paid professional development. Participation beyond 9 days is encouraged; however, only 9 are guaranteed for stipend support.
2) Will teachers receive renewal credit for the professional development days sponsored by the Collaborative Project?
At the end of each professional development day, teachers will receive a Renewal License Credit for Professional Development form to submit to their LEA. The criteria for applying renewal credit are determined locally by each school system.
3) Which school systems are included in the Collaborative Project?
Caswell County Schools, Greene County Schools, Mitchell County Schools, Warren County Schools, and Washington County Schools
4) Why were these school systems chosen to participate in the pilot Collaborative Project?
The five participating school systems were chosen because they are similar in that they are small, rural and have challenging demographics. They also bring geographic diversity since the Eastern, Piedmont and Western part of the State are represented. Participation by each LEA is voluntary.
5) How long will the Collaborative Project last?
The Collaborative Project is now in the first year as a program, after the completion of a three year pilot. Continued services beyond the 2010-11 school year is contingent upon funding.
6) How soon will teachers receive the $150 per day stipend after participating in professional development opportunities sponsored by the Collaborative Project?
If teachers attend a one-day session, their names will be submitted to their school system to request payment. If it is more than one day, the names will be submitted at the end of the week–long or several-day session. Everyone is committed to expediting the process so teachers will receive their stipend as soon as possible.
7) How will the annual bonuses for elementary and middle grade teachers be awarded?
Elementary and middle grade teachers are eligible to earn up to $1,000 annually. The bonuses will be awarded during the fall of the following school year. The amount of the bonus will depend upon an individual achieving certain incentive criteria. $150.00 stipends for participation in each day of Collaborative sponsored professional development events is in addition to the annual bonus. Note that teachers are eligible to receive up to 9 days of paid professional development (stipends).
8) When did the Collaborative Project officially begin?
It was agreed upon by the Collaborative Project’s Advisory Committee that the first meeting held on Friday, August 10, 2007 would be the official start date of the pilot project. The pilot concluded at the end of the 2009-10 school year and the project now functions as a program beginning in the 2010-11 school year.
9) Are there any obligations of a teacher to remain with the participating school system as a result of receiving incentive awards?
Performance incentives are made available to returning teachers at the beginning of each school year. Should a teacher elect not to return to the LEA for which participation occurred, his or her eligibility for an incentive award is waived.
10) What criteria determines annual incentive bonuses?
Student performance and faculty participation in professional development events.
Last Update: 8/26/10