Technology Compensation FAQs

Questions:

1. What compensation can I receive this year for Technology Integration?
2. What are the Pathways all about?
3. Where can I find out more about what I have to do in order to complete my Pathway requirements?
4. How do I know who is my coach or verifier?
5. What are the requirements for a part time employee?
6. How long are the coaching sessions (for the Coursework and Professional Growth Pathways) and what do they entail?
7. How do I document that I completed the Pathway?
8. When does everything need to be completed?
9. For the Coursework/Individual Support Pathway, where do I write down all the classes I’ve taken?
10. How do I find out which Pathway I’ve chosen?
11. What if I don’t want to do a Pathway?

Answers:

1. Q: What compensation can I receive this year for Technology Integration?
   
   A: There are 2 categories of compensation you can receive, up to a total of $1750. Of that money, $400 is for 14 hours of Technology Training, received by submitting a timesheet of classes taken after hours or on Teacher Directed Days (or at the Summer Learning Academy or Tech Kick Off Day) to Jeff Hogan. The rest of the money, $1350, is a stipend for completion of a Technology Integration Pathway.
2. Q: What are the Pathways all about?
   
   A: There are 5 different pathways for teachers, and 5 different pathways for support staff, each with similar time commitments, but varying levels of support and different types of technology integration. Each staff member can select their own pathway.
   Teachers:
   • Professional Growth/Reflection
   • Collaboration
   • Coursework/Individual Support
   • National Board Certification
   • Technology Integration Leader/Teacher
   Support Staff:
   • Resource Development/Presentation
   • Coursework/Individual Support
   • Assistive Technology Team
   • National Board Certification
   • Technology Integration Leader/Teacher
3. Q: Where can I find out more about what I have to do in order to complete my Pathway requirements?
   
   A: Each pathway has a separate documentation form, which explains the requirements in more detail (click here to see a list of all forms). Additionally, you can contact any of the Instructional Technology TOSAs: Gayle Smith, Justin Talmadge, and Jacqueline Kuno-Ross. Please note that the specific requirements for many of the pathways were left intentionally open-ended to allow staff to tailor their pathway to their specific needs.
4. Q: How do I know who is my coach or verifier?
   
   A: Only some of the pathways (Coursework and Professional Growth) require a coach. However, all staff members have a contact person to support them as they integrate technology further into their roles, and to verify completion of their selected pathway. Once staff have selected pathways, verifiers will be assigned and you will be contacted.
5. Q: What are the requirements for a part time employee?
   
   A: All staff are eligible to earn 14 hours of training compensation.  The Pathway stipend depends on the employee’s FTE. So a 0.5 FTE employee would receive 0.5 x $1350 = $675 for their stipend. They would also have to do only a portion of the requirements for their selected pathway. Please contact your coach/verifier to discuss specific details for your pathway.
6. Q: How long are the coaching sessions (for the Coursework and Professional Growth pathway) and what do they entail?
   
   A: The coaching sessions are meant to be 30-60 minutes long and center on a technology integration goal. The coach can help staff reflect on their progress towards their goal, assist them with questions about the technology they’re using, and support the further integration of technology into their classroom/job assignment.
7. Q: How do I document that I completed the Pathway?
   
   A: Each pathway has a separate form, which has space to document each requirement for the pathway (click here to see a list of all forms). Additionally, your coach/verifier will be checking in with you periodically to assess your progress towards completion.
8. Q: When does everything need to be completed?
   
   A: All Pathway forms need to be submitted by May 15th, 2012, and the stipend will be paid on the end of June paycheck. Timesheets with technology training hours can be turned in as they are completed, up to the last day of school, and the compensation will be paid on the paycheck of the following month.
   For the pathways that require 3 lessons or activities, a suggested timeline is:
   • First lesson or coaching session finished by December 15, 2011
   • Second lesson or coaching session finished by February 16, 2012
   • Third lesson or coaching session finished by April 30, 2012
9. Q: For the Coursework/Individual Support Pathway, where do I write down all the classes I’ve taken?
   
   A: Courses taken are recorded on the Pathway verification form.

10. Q: How do I find out which Pathway I’ve chosen?
    
    A: Please contact your coach/verifier, or you can contact any of the Instructional Technology TOSAs: Gayle Smith, Justin Talmadge, and Jacqueline Kuno-Ross.
11. Q: What if I don’t want to do a Pathway?
    
    A: Both the Training compensation and the Pathway stipend are optional. If you would prefer not to complete the requirements, please inform Jeff Hogan, and we’ll have you complete an “Opt Out” form.