Teacher Education And Mentoring (TEAM) Program
TO:TEAM Program District Facilitators
FROM:Jane Gionfrido, TEAM Program Consultant
DATE:September 7, 2012
SUBJECT:2012-13Process for the Application for a Partial Exemption from the TEAM Program
Professional Growth Module Process
A beginning teacher who has a unique teaching assignment that may not allow for the completion of one or more components of the TEAM Program professional growth module process may apply for a partial exemption from the full five module process. To be eligible to apply for a partial exemption, a beginning teacher must hold a valid Connecticut teaching certificate with an endorsement that is applicable to the TEAM Programand compliant with hisor her teaching assignment.
The2012-13 Exemption Request Application for Beginning Teachers Participating in the TEAM Program is available on the TEAM Program website under DF Resources. This form should be completed by the beginning teacher in conjunction with his or her mentor, principal and district facilitator if it is believed that the beginning teacher cannot complete one or more TEAM Program professional growth modules. Responses provided in this form must focus on the nature of the teacher’steaching assignment, the description of instruction (if applicable) and the role of the beginning teacher.
2012-13 Exemption Request Policies Specific to TEAM Program Categories of Participation
Beginning teachers assigned to Category 1 (required to complete the full five module process)are expected tocomplete program requirements in two years. With the approval of their school district, beginning teachers participating in Category 1 may submit an exemption application. If approved, no more than two modules will be exempted in a school year. All beginning teachers in Category 1are required to completePhase I of Module #5. Exemptions will not be granted for Module #5. During the 2012-13 school year, we will explore and develop Phase II of Module #5. Beginning teachers who are participating in Category 1 and have a September 1, 2012, TEAM entry date, will participate in a pilot of Phase II of Module #5 in the 2013-14 school year to explore how they integrate professionalism, collaboration and /or leadership in their work as educators.
Beginning teachers assigned to Category 2 (required to complete two modulesselected from modules 1-4) are expected to complete program requirements in one year. With the approval of their school district, beginning teachers participating in Category 2 may submit an exemption application. Although not required, beginning teachers in Category #2are encouraged to participate in Phase I of Module #5.
Role of the District Facilitator
As liaisons to the TEAM Program, district facilitators are asked to determine which beginning teachers may be eligible for a partial exemption from the module process and to forward copies of the exemption form to these teachers for completion. The form should be completed collaboratively by the beginning teacher and his or her mentor, principal and/or district facilitator. Please mail completed forms to Jane Gionfrido at the Connecticut State Department of Education.
Due Date for Exemption Request Forms
The 2012-13 Exemption Request Application Form for Beginning Teachers Participating in the TEAM Program is available on the program website. Exemption request applications for beginning teachers participating in the TEAM Program in the 2012-13 school year, should be submitted on or before December 15, 2012. Beginning teachers with a TEAM Program entry date on or after February 15, 2013, will not be eligible to submit an exemption request application this year as they will not begin full participation in the program until the 2013-14 school year.
If you have any questions regarding the exemption process, please contact Jane Gionfrido by telephone at 860-713-6812 or via email at . Thank you for your assistance in this matter.