Laptops for Teachers Program
In order to encourage
integration of technology into the K-8 curriculum, Lindop School will provide a
limited number of teachers with iBook computers. The teachers will own the computers, and will repay the district
for the cost of the computers (approximately $1400) by committing to a number
of requirements. TEACHERS IN THEIR
FIRST YEAR AT LINDOP WILL NOT BE ELIGIBLE.
Teachers who participate in
the program must sign a legally binding contract stating the cost of the
computer, the repayment rate ($20.49/hour of staff development), and the terms
of
repayment.
Teachers who receive laptops
will attend 70 hours of technology staff development and/or work on special
projects (during non-contract time) over the course of 12 months. The staff development will offset the
cost of the laptop the teacher is provided. The district will provide in-house
staff development opportunities, including the first 10 hours during the summer. Teachers may also seek out staff
development opportunities on their own, but if redeemed for credit, must not
cost the district anything. If
there is a cost to the district, every $20 the district spends will be one hour
that is not credited. For example,
if a teacher attends a workshop with a registration fee of $40 and the workshop
lasts 6 hours, the teacher will receive credit for 4 hours.
Teachers may also receive
credit for special projects that they work on related to technology education,
such as, but not limited to, sponsoring a computer related club before or after
school, putting together multimedia presentations, peer coaching, video
projects, etc. Special projects
must be pre-approved to make sure that they meet the requirements of technology
education.
Teachers will also be
strongly encouraged to join the technology committee, for which they can also
receive credit toward their 70 hours.
Credits will be tracked by
both the teachers and the program coordinator. Credits will be evaluated in May, and teachers who are not
on track to complete their credit may either return their laptops or pay the
remainder of the time they owe (at $20.49/hour) out of their remaining paychecks.
Teachers in their first year
will not be eligible. Initially,
the program will be open to 10 participants, if funding is available. Eight of the 10 spots will be reserved
for classrooms teachers, with 2 spots available for specialists. Selection will be based on a written
statement from each teacher stating their plans for use of the laptop and how
they would enhance their classroom instruction. Selection will also be based
on prior participation in technology staff developement, and interest of using
technology in the classroom.