PD in Illinois: Separating the Wheat from the Educational Weeds
Ah, professional development (PD) for Illinois teachers. The land of conferences, workshops, and...mandatory PowerPoint presentations about the history of staplers (because, let's face it, we all NEED to know that). But fear not, weary educators! This guide will cut through the jargon and tell you exactly what counts as PD in Illinois, all with a healthy dose of humor to keep you from falling asleep at your desk (because trust me, we've all been there).
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| What Counts As Pd For Illinois Teachers |
So, what PD actually gets you points?
The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) isn't here to play patty-cake with your professional development hours. They have some strict guidelines (but hey, at least they're not forcing you to take up unicycle riding as a teaching strategy). Here are the golden nuggets:
- College Coursework: Because, you know, learning never stops! But make sure it's from a regionally accredited Illinois institution with an approved educator program. One semester hour gets you a cool 15 PD points, while a quarter hour snags you 10.
- Approved PD Activities: This is where things get interesting. Workshops, conferences, webinars - all fair game, as long as the provider is approved by the ISBE. Think of it like a VIP pass to the PD party.
- Teaching College Courses: Feeling like a teacher's teacher? Sharing your wisdom at a college level in your field can earn you some PD points (with limitations, so check the ISBE website for details).
- Qualifying Travel: Okay, this one's a bit out there. Adventurous language teachers can actually earn points by traveling to a place where their language is spoken (think French teachers in Paris, not Klingon teachers on Qo'noS). Just be sure to document your travels and how they'll improve your teaching.
But wait, there's more! (cue the cheesy informercial music)
The ISBE also wants your PD to be meaningful and align with state teaching standards. So, no points for that underwater basket weaving class (unless you're a PE teacher specializing in synchronized swimming, perhaps).
Tip: Read once for flow, once for detail.
The Bottom Line (Cliff Notes Version):
- Approved providers are your friends.
- College coursework from the right place is a win.
- Travel (the educational kind) can be rewarding (with documentation).
- Make sure your PD is relevant to your teaching.
Bonus Tip: Don't be afraid to get creative with your PD options! There are tons of engaging and effective workshops out there.
Still Foggy on the PD front?
QuickTip: Read section by section for better flow.
No worries, we've got you covered with some quick FAQs:
How to find approved PD providers?
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Check the ISBE website, my friend! They have a whole list.
How can I tell if my college coursework counts?
Tip: Reread key phrases to strengthen memory.
Make sure it's from a regionally accredited Illinois institution with an approved educator program.
How much PD do I need?
It depends on your license and renewal cycle. Check the ISBE website for the specifics.
How long can I use the same PD activity for points?
QuickTip: Stop and think when you learn something new.
Generally, you can't use the same activity within a five-year renewal cycle. There are some exceptions, but best to check with the ISBE.
How do I document my PD activities?
Keep certificates, course descriptions, or anything that proves you participated.
So there you have it! With this knowledge, you can conquer your PD requirements and become the most well-rounded, stapler-history-informed teacher Illinois has ever seen. Now go forth and learn (and maybe avoid that underwater basket weaving class)!
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