Employee Professional Development 4-39

School Board of the City of Virginia Beach
Policy 4-39

PERSONNEL

Employee Professional Development

Employees are encouraged to participate in activities that will expand their knowledge, increase professional competency, and to provide continuing growth in skills, techniques, and human relations The School Board shall provide opportunities for employees to participate in activities outside the School Division and shall offer in-service training programs within the School Division.

The Superintendent or designee may approve programs and activities to the extent that the School Board has budgeted funds.

1. Teacher Orientation
   1. Each school's administration shall develop a program for the orientation of new teachers. In planning the program provisions will be made for current staff involvement.
   2. The Office of Professional Growth and Innovation shall develop division-wide programs for the orientation of new teachers.
2. Release Time
   1. Administrators shall adjust employee schedules to permit attendance at professional workshops and on-the-job training programs when such attendance does not disrupt the educational needs of the school or department. Administrators have discretion to determine adjustments and approval of attendance at such events.
   2. Professional development activities may occur year-round and may be required to be completed outside of contract dates and/or hours.

      Attendance at professional development may be excused as determined by the supervising administrator. Professional development activities shall be reasonable in terms of number and duration, with sufficient notice provided.

3. Employee Professional Development Reimbursement

   Eligible employees may qualify for employee professional development reimbursement for college course tuition, vocational/technical training, or professional development course tuition/registration in an amount approved by the School Board as part of the annual budget. The Chief Human Resources Officer may approve additional reimbursement for coursework in high need and/or critical shortage areas.

   The amount to be reimbursed must be within the funds appropriated annually by the School Board and within the budget.

4. Training

   As required by law, the School Board authorizes the Superintendent or designees to establish such training for teachers and other employees, including mental health awareness training and other required trainings.

Legal Reference

Code of Virginia § 22.1-298.8, as amended. Public elementary and secondary school teachers; certain training activities; requirements and limitations; index.

Related Links

School Board Regulation 4-39.1
School Board Policy 4-65

Adopted by School Board: July 13, 1993 (Effective August 14, 1993)
Amended by School Board: August 6, 2002
Amended by School Board: October 2, 2012
Amended by School Board: October 10, 2017
Amended by School Board: August 27, 2018
Amended by School Board: January 12, 2021
Amended by School Board: May 26, 2026