Teacher Quality Committee
Priorities for Funding
Leadership Development
Funds will be used for professional development activities that support the development of aspiring administrators or the leadership capacity of teachers who are facilitating departments, district wide committees, or building level teams.
Math Instruction
Funds will be used for professional development activities that support the development of a district wide philosophy of math instruction and instructional strategies that support the implementation of the overall math program.
Literacy Instruction
Funds will be used for professional development activities that support the development of a district wide philosophy of literacy instruction and instructional strategies that support the implementation of the overall literacy program.
Iowa Core Curriculum 21st Century Skills
Funds will be used for professional development activities that support the development and implementation of 21st Century Skills as defined by the Iowa Core Curriculum (civic literacy, financial literacy, technology literacy, health literacy, and employability skills).
Inclusionary Practices
Funds will be used for professional development activities that support the understanding of best practices for working with at-risk student populations including ELL, Special Education, SES. This may include the study and implementation of co-teaching, sheltered instruction, or other appropriate strategies and interventions.
Individual Professional Development Plans
Funds will be used for professional development activities that support the implementation of individual professional development plans as approved by the school principal.
Teacher Quality Committee
This is a formal committee made up of representatives who are teachers and administrators. During meetings the committee governs the use of teacher quality funds that are provided to school districts through the Iowa Department of Education. The committee reviews all requests submitted during the previous month and makes a recommendation to approve or deny requests for funding. The funds can only be used for professional development.
Teachers may apply for funding to participate in professional development learning opportunities that enhance and further the implementation of their individual professional development plan. It is important to plan ahead with submitting requests because the application must be approved by the school principal prior to submitting the request to the Teacher Quality Committee for review. Applications should be completed online prior to the meeting date. The Teacher Quality Committee meets on the second Monday of each month during the school year.
Complete the Teacher Quality Application process here.
Teachers who are approved to use the funds must complete a reflection survey within 2 weeks of the professional development.
Complete the Teacher Quality Reflection Survey here.