Staff Development
Board Credit FAQs
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Teacher Recertification
- What is Board Credit?
- How do I earn Board Credit (BC)?
- How is the amount of Board Credit determined for each workshop or event?
- How do I decide between Board Credit and a stipend?
- Is Board Credit Different from Academic Credit or CPDUs?
- Can I get a district-paid stipend and Board Credit for the same activity?
- Can I get Board Credit and CPDUs?
- What if the district pays for me to attend a conference? Can I still get Board Credit?
- Can I get Board Credit for District or Building Inservice days, staff meetings or committee work?
- Can I combine several events to build up to 1 unit of Board Credit?
- How do I know how much BC I have?
- How and when do I move on the salary schedule?
Board Credit is the system of professional development credit that the Board of Education uses to recognize and encourage continual professional growth among certified teachers through advancement on the salary schedule. The policies and procedures for Board Credit are detailed in the Board of Education Policy 4.290 (Revised June 5, 2007).
How do I earn Board Credit (BC)?Basically, a teacher can earn BC one of two ways. First, you can earn board credit for any staff development workshops that you attend that are offered through the district after school or weekends (not on contractual time). For any workshops that are offered by USD#116, you will automatically receive Board Credit, unless you have asked for a stipend, and you do not have to apply. If you teach a district workshop, you can earn double board credit in lieu of a stipend for the first time you present, facilitate or teach. Second, you can apply for Board Credit (in advance) for workshops or conferences that you attend that are not on contractual time. To apply for Board Credit, you must fill out a Board Credit Request form and submit it to the Director of Staff Development before the conference of workshop. Either way, you must have proof of attendance or completion.
How is the amount of Board Credit determined for each workshop or event?For every 8 hours of approved contact time (also called "clock hours of Board Credit"), you will earn 1 unit of Board Credit. While the Office of Staff Development keeps a database of Board Credit earnings, it is your responsibility to maintain documentation and records that verifies contact time.
How do I decide between Board Credit and a stipend?This is a personal financial decision. Stipends are one-time cash incentives that are almost always paid from grant programs. Therefore, stipend amounts vary from year to year based on available grant funds. Board Credit accumulates toward movement on the salary schedule, which in the long run means a larger take home pay and a higher contribution to the Teacher Retirement System (TRS). You should also note on the salary schedule that after you reach BA+15, you must obtain a master's degree before you can start accumulating BC toward MA+15. Therefore if you are at BA+15, then choose a stipend.
Is Board Credit Different from Academic Credit or CPDUs?Yes. Board Credit ONLY applies to advancement on the salary schedule in Urbana School District. Academic Credit is earned through college or university coursework that is transferable to other districts. Academic Credit is documented via transcripts that you must turn in to the Director of Human Resources. CPDUs are Continuing Professional Development Units that are required for recertification through the Illinois State Board of Education. You keep CPDUs forms forever and document them through the ISBE website when you are up for recertification.
Can I get a district-paid stipend and Board Credit for the same activity?No, you have to choose between BC and a stipend.
Can I get Board Credit and CPDUs?Yes, the two are independent of each other.
What if the district pays for me to attend a conference? Can I still get Board Credit?No. According to Board Policy, "Registration costs, fees and other expenses are the staff participants' responsibility."
Can I get Board Credit for District or Building Inservice days, staff meetings or committee work?No.
Can I combine several events to build up to 1 unit of Board Credit?Yes. When you attend a workshop of conference, you will be awarded "clock hours" of Board Credit. For every 8 clock hours that you earn, you will be awarded 1 unit of Board Credit.
How do I know how much BC I have?The office of Staff Development and Grant Programs maintains a database of Board Credit earnings of each teacher. After you have completed a BC activity, you will receive a BC record sheet for that activity. If you would like to receive a copy of your Board Credit Report, or if there are ever any discrepancies, please contact the Assistant to the Director of Staff Development at 217-384-3680.
How and when do I move on the salary schedule?After you have accumulated 15 units of Board Credit or a combination of Board Credit and University Credit beyond your degree, you need to write a memo to the Director of Human Resources (cc: to the Director of Staff Development) and request movement on the salary schedule. The movement will take place at the beginning of the next contractual year. You have until the first day of the contractual year to complete all coursework. You must submit your request and submit all paperwork by September 30 to receive movement.