130/131-Beyond Certified PD: How Should We Train Our Auxiliary Services Departments
Unilike certified professional development (PD), few - if any - districts have a formalized PD approach for classified staff. A framework for auxiliary services PD will be discussed to develop a proposal for a state-wide auxiliary services PD program.
Every school district has a formalized and managed professional development (PD) program for training its certified staff - classroom teachers, district curriculum specialists - and even classfied teacher assistants. Few, if any districts, have a similar program for classified staff. Departments such as Facilities, School Nutrition, Transportation, and others, however, are staffed by skilled tradespersons and technicians that require PD - not only for personal growth but often for business and regulatory licensure. The level of preparation of our workers directly impacts the safety and security of the learning environment. What role should the district play in supporting this vital training? The county? The state? The industries?
A framework for K-12 operations/auxiliary services personnel training will be presented as a starting point for an interactive interview with attendees, gathering date and exchanging ideas for development of a proposal for a state-wide standardized, industry-recognized program.