Navigating Tuition Reimbursement and Professional Development in Baltimore County Public Schools
Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS) is committed to the professional growth and development of its educators. Recognizing the critical role teachers play in student success, BCPS offers various programs and initiatives designed to support their ongoing learning and advancement. This article explores the landscape of tuition reimbursement, professional development opportunities, and additional benefits available to BCPS employees.
Addressing Teacher Shortages and Promoting Diversity
BCPS is currently facing a significant teacher shortage, particularly among Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), special education and ESOL teachers, and women in STEM fields. To address this challenge, BCPS is actively engaged in recruitment, training, and retention efforts. A $1 million grant from The Foundation supports the BCPS Department of Human Resources in these endeavors, specifically targeting BIPOC teachers and women in STEM fields.
Professional Development Schools (PDS) Program
BCPS partners with local institutions of higher education (IHE) through the Professional Development Schools (PDS) Program. These collaborative partnerships focus on preparing pre-service teachers and other professionals. The PDS program utilizes a strategic planning process to provide professional learning opportunities for interns, mentor teachers, and IHE faculty. Although interns can be placed in schools that are not professional development schools, IHE placement coordinators may contact the Office of Teacher Development directly to request internship placements for prospective candidates. Colleges and Universities should submit the Baltimore County Public Schools Internship Application to the Department of Organizational Development and Leadership.
Comprehensive Support for New Teachers
The BCPS New Teacher Induction Program provides comprehensive support to newly hired teachers. New educators are invited to participate in New Educator Orientation (NEO) during the month of August. Non-tenured teachers are invited to attend conference-style seminars that occur during the duty-day in the fall and spring. Stipends are offered to non-tenured teachers who attend after-school workshops designed to address their learning needs throughout the school year. Consulting Teachers in the Peer Assistance and Review (PAR) Program provide support for new teachers without prior teaching experience throughout the school system. The Peer Advisor Program may provide coaching support for teachers new to Baltimore County who come with previous teaching experience.
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Opportunities
BCPS offers a range of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses organized by various BCPS Offices. These courses provide opportunities for educators to enhance their skills and knowledge in specific areas of interest or need.
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Cohort Programs: Direct Billing for Tuition Costs
Cohort Programs provide permanent employees in active service access to high-quality professional growth opportunities in areas of critical need. These cohorts are advertised each spring, with programs generally starting in the fall. A significant advantage of cohort programs is direct billing, meaning BCPS is directly billed for tuition costs up to the rate of individual tuition reimbursement. This simplifies the payment process for employees participating in these programs.
College and University Programs
BCPS employees can also pursue professional development through College and University Programs available on a wide variety of topics. Many institutions offer discounted tuition to BCPS employees. However, it's important to note that the employee must pay all associated costs upfront and then seek reimbursement, if eligible.
Additional Benefits for MSEA/NEA Members
MSEA/NEA members have access to a variety of benefits, including:
- Click and Save Program: Discounts on hotels, golf courses, ski resorts, travel, services, entertainment, movies, and recreation packages through the internet-based Click and Save Program.
- NEA Long-Term Care: Underwritten by Mutual of Omaha and administered by National Health Administrators, NEA Long-Term Care insurance is available on payroll deduction through the TABCO OAD payroll slot. Coverage is guaranteed, and employees can choose their own doctors and hospitals.
- NEA Complimentary Life Insurance: Up to $50,000 in accidental death and dismemberment insurance when an incident occurs on the job and a $150,000 benefit for death due to homicide while actively engaged in your occupation. The plan also includes up to $1,000 life insurance and up to $5,000 for accidental death and dismemberment coverage. NEA-Retired members are also eligible for a $50,000 benefit for covered events while serving in the capacity of the Association leader on business.
- Preferred Term Life Plan: A level premium plan that offers 10, 15, or 20-year term life insurance in amounts of $100,000, $250,000, $500,000, or up to $1,000,000 of coverage.
- Premium Term Life Plan: Coverage from $25,000 to $250,000 of decreasing Term Life Insurance.
- AD&D Insurance: Accidental death and dismemberment insurance is available for the entire family. There is no medical exam, and acceptance is guaranteed.
- Joint Protection Life Plan: Supplemental protection for your peak earning years.
- Homeowners Insurance: Provides coverage for your house, condo, or townhouse and your possessions.
- Auto & Home Insurance: Tailored for educators, featuring $250 personal property coverage (from a locked or unlocked insured vehicle) and 7-day, 24-hour emergency claims service.
- Income Protection Plan: Salary protection for members in case of disability.
Navigating BCPS Internship Application
Colleges and Universities should submit the Baltimore County Public Schools Internship Application to the Department of Organizational Development and Leadership.
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