721: Staff Professional Development
Responsible Administrator: Deputy Superintendent, Education Services and Associate Superintendent Human Resources
PURPOSE
Sturgeon Public Schools is committed to fostering lifelong professional learning among teachers, aligned with the Teaching Quality Standard (TQS). Professional development supports the development of knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to enhance student learning and promote innovative and inclusive teaching practices.
DEFINITIONS
Professional Development (PD): Refers to formal and informal learning opportunities intended to improve teaching, student outcomes and the professional knowledge, skills and effectiveness of staff.
Professional Growth Plan (PGP): An annual plan prepared by teachers that outlines growth strategies and measures. PGPs must align with the Teaching Quality Standard (TQS) and consider school, Division and provincial goals.
Self-Directed PD: Learning activities initiated by staff to address their professional growth needs with prior approval from the Principal.
Site-Directed PD: Professional learning activities organized at the school level under the direction of the Principal or supervisor.
System-Directed PD: Professional learning opportunities organized at the Division level, directed by the Superintendent or designate.
PROCESS
The Deputy Superintendent Education Services and the Associate Superintendent Human Resources or designate are responsible for overseeing, maintaining and reviewing this Administrative Procedure to ensure alignment with provincial regulations, Division goals and best practices.
PROCEDURES
Professional Growth Plans
All professional staff employees must develop and implement a Professional Growth Plan (PGP) annually by October 15 ,or within 45 days after the first teaching day if the certificated staff member is hired after September 15. Multi-year plans may be considered but must include yearly breakdowns of objectives. Refer to AP725: Teacher Growth, Supervision and Evaluation for additional information.
PGPs shall:
Be based on self-assessed learning needs, goals and objectives of the teacher.
Demonstrate alignment with the TQS and reference relevant competencies and indicators.
Reflect school, Division and provincial education goals.
Be informed by data sources, such as Principal feedback, student results, parent feedback, individual reflections and collaborative initiatives.
Teachers must submit their PGPs to the Principal for review and approval.
Principals may reject a plan if it does not align with TQS or other relevant standards.
Principals shall meet with teachers to review PGPs at the beginning of the school year and provide ongoing feedback during periodic reviews throughout the year.
Unless agreed upon by the teacher, the content of a PGP shall not be used for evaluation purposes.
Professional Development Activities
Teachers are expected to participate in professional development activities that align with their PGPs and Division priorities. PD activities may include workshops, conferences, collaborative learning initiatives and mentorship opportunities.
PD activities shall be categorized as follows:
Self-Directed PD: Teachers may initiate professional learning activities related to their PGP, with prior approval from the Principal.
Site-Directed PD: Principals shall organize PD activities to address school-specific goals and align with Division frameworks.
System-Directed PD: Division-wide initiatives directed by the Superintendent or designate to address broader educational goals.
Out-of-province PD requires justification by the Principal and prior approval from the Superintendent. Such opportunities should only be pursued when local or provincial alternatives are unavailable.
Annual Reporting and Accountability
Principals must submit a draft Professional Development Plan to the Deputy Superintendent, Education Services by June 30 for the upcoming school year. The draft shall be shared with school staff by the end of September and the final draft must be submitted l to the Superintendent by October 30th each year. The plan shall:
- Identify school-specific areas for growth.
- Align with Division and provincial education priorities.
- Outline the use of non-instructional days for PD activities.
Principals must ensure staff are informed of site-directed PD agendas at least seven days prior to the scheduled activities.
Teachers must provide updates to their Principal on self-directed PD alignment with their PGP at set times throughout the year or as requested.
Evaluation of Professional Development
The Superintendent or designate shall annually evaluate the effectiveness of professional development activities in enhancing teaching practices and student learning outcomes. Feedback from these evaluations will inform future PD programming.
Equity and Accessibility
The Division is committed to ensuring equitable access to professional development opportunities for all staff, including part-time and specialized staff. Flexible scheduling and consideration of assignable time shall be employed to accommodate individual needs.
Cultural Competency and Innovation
Professional learning shall include opportunities to deepen understanding of Indigenous worldviews, cultures, and histories to enhance inclusive practices.
The Division encourages collaborative professional learning through Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), mentorship programs and team-based initiatives that promote shared leadership and innovation.
Resource Allocation
The Division will allocate funding for professional development activities, including school-based, system-based and ATA Local contributions. Funding details shall be communicated annually to all staff.
School-based administrators have access to dedicated professional learning funds, as per Division policy, to support attendance at leadership development opportunities.
References:
Education Act: 196, 197, 222
Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act
Certification of Teachers and Teacher Leaders Regulation
Professional Conduct and Competency for Teachers and Teachers Leaders Regulation
Alberta Education Teaching Quality Standard (TQS)
Alberta Education Leadership Quality Standard (LQS)
Alberta Education Teacher Growth, Supervision and Evaluation Policy
AP725: Teacher Growth, Supervision and Evaluation
AP865 Information and Communication Technology
Collective Agreement with ATA Local
History
2020 Jan 29 Initial Approval
2024 Jan 06 Amended
2025 Apr 16 Amended
Administrative Procedures VII. Personnel and Employee Relations (Teacher Staffing, Certification and Placement)