FLEX hours for 2022-23 will be earned via live training (whether in person or virtual).
ACS is excited to return to live learning as a part of our professional growth opportunities. All full-time instructional staff members (faculty), including teachers, counselors, therapists, psychologists, and assistant principals are required to earn the equivalent of four (4) professional development days (28 hours).
How do I earn FLEX hours for 2022-23?
- Vendor Provided Live training (whether in person or virtual) *
- Safe Schools (4 hours – required by all)
- Other events approved via the Request for PD Form
- Apple Teacher Certification (8 hours- for new teachers)
- Apple Teacher Portfolio (10 hours)
*Pre-recorded webinars or electronic course work will not be considered for FLEX credit.
Click here to download the FLEX PD request form. (More Information Below)
What is Flexible Professional Learning (FLEX)?
Arlington Community Schools is committed to improvement through intentional, reflective and empowering professional learning that meets the individual needs of each school and our instructional staff members. By providing opportunities for flexible professional development hours specific to school needs, professional development is more closely aligned to the district’s strategic goals and targeted to the needs of the teachers. It is the expectation that all designated faculty members will earn hours equivalent to 4 professional development days built into the 2022-23 instructional calendar by April 30, 2023.
Who is required to earn FLEX hours?
All full-time instructional staff members (faculty), including teachers, counselors, therapists, psychologists, and assistant principals are required to earn the equivalent of 4 professional development days.
What are the timeline requirements for FLEX hours?
- Faculty is required to earn a total of 28 FLEX hours for the 2022-23 school year.
- June 2022 begins the FLEX cycle for the 2022-23 school year.
All 28 hours must be earned by April 30, 2023.
- SAFE SCHOOLS module completion is due by September 7, 2022 and will be monitored by district office.
- Submit attendance documentation for other pre-approved events to the district’s FLEX email account.
How will I earn my 28 FLEX hours?
- Sign up and attend training listed in Frontline for sessions that are labeled FLEX to ensure that the hours are documented.
- Four hours of FLEX will be recorded by district office for completion of the SAFE SCHOOLS modules.
- Other events directly correlated to one’s instructional duties can be used as FLEX, if pre-approved via the Request for FLEX PD form.
- New Teachers can receive (8) FLEX hours for earning their Apple Certification.
Will the District offer Flex sessions during the Fall/Spring or Saturdays?
The district will only host FLEX events during the summer. Will not host events during the Fall/Spring or on Saturdays. Remaining Flex hours can be earned by using the Request for Flex PD form to submit your unique request.
Will I receive FLEX credit for completion of the required SAFE Schools modules?
Yes, upon completion of the required modules by September 7th, 4 hours of FLEX credit will be recorded by the district office.
How do I request FLEX credit for events not provided by a vendor?
At least two weeks prior to the event, submit a Request for Flex PD form to the district’s FLEX email account. The request will be reviewed and either approved or denied. The PD opportunity should relate to one’s teaching duties.
Professional Development provided by school/district personnel (i.e. Administrators, Instructional Technology Facilitators, Specialists) must be pre-approved using the Request for FLEX PD form.
What is the district’s FLEX email address?
ACSFLEX@acsk-12.org
Will I be able to use pre-recorded webinars or other non-live activities for my Flex Hours?
No, at this time we will only accept hours from live training to include in person or live virtual sessions with proof of attendance.
When can I begin earning my hours for 2022-23?
You can begin earning hours for 2022-23 on June 1, 2022.
Where can I find Flex courses offered by ACS?
FLEX courses will be listed in Frontline. The course name will begin with the word FLEX.
Will FLEX hours count for Professional Development Points (PDP’s)?
Yes, your FLEX Professional Learning hours, if applicable to your current role, may be entered in TN Compass as professional development points towards renewing or advancing your license. Your Frontline (My Learning Plan) transcript will serve as the documentation you will attach in TNCompass. Safe Schools modules cannot be counted as PDPs.
Will FLEX hours count for TASL (applicable to Assistant Principals)?
Assistant Principals are required to earn 14 TASL hours per year. Your TASL hours can count as FLEX only if they were earned outside of your regular workday. If you wish to submit TASL credits for FLEX, please send the documentation to the district’s FLEX email account. Proof that it was completed outside the regular workday is required.
Will I report to school on the designated 4 FLEX PD days listed on the ACS Instructional Calendar?
No, schools will not be open for regular business on these days. Faculty members are expected to earn the hours during the June 2022 – April 30, 2023 window.
What are the consequences of not fulfilling the required hours?
- Faculty are expected to earn 28 hours. Professional development is a required component of your annual contract; it is not optional.
- Failure to meet the 28 hours will result in a payroll deduction on the May 15th paycheck. Employees will not be paid for partial credit.