Professional learning is the continuing education of teachers, administrators, and other school employees of an organization focused on improving student achievement. Here in Bartow County we believe that robust professional learning can create a culture which sustains an institutional capacity for continuous improvement.

The Bartow County School System is committed to improving student learning by implementing research based best practices in professional learning. We believe job embedded professional learning includes such practices as coaching, mentoring, peer observation, reflection, and Professional Learning Communities.

The following are forms that may be needed or required to submit a Professional Learning Proposal, attend a conference and receive PLUs, expense statements other needs related to Professional Learning:

Professional Out of State Form
Expense Report Guidelines
Expense Statement
Employee/Teacher Grant Donor Payroll Deduction Form
Bartow County Workshop Registration Form  

Employee/Teacher Grant Information    
Employee/Teacher Grant Application
Goldenrod Registration
PL Form 1 Request for Professional Learning  

PL Form 2 Estimate of Travel Expense
PL Form 3 2-page Stipend Form
PL Form 6 Contracted Services
Absence Form

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Click here to review the 2011-2012 calendar and Professional Learning days.

The Professional Learning Services Unit at Georgia Department of Education provides leadership, technical assistance, resources and consultative services to the Georgia education community in order to improve student learning through organizational development and professional learning (staff development). The following website is for the Georgia Department of Education Professional Learning Department:     http://www.doe.k12.ga.us/tss_school_prolearning.aspx

Frequently Asked Questions:  

What is a PLU?

PLU stands for Professional Learning Unit.  These units are used to report professional learning hours.  The following State guidelines apply in determining the number of PLUs applicable based on the number of actual contact hours of training:

How many PLUs do I need to renew my certification?

The certification requirements for renewal of the typical clear renewable certificate include earning 10 PLUs or 6 college semester hours every five years.  A combination of credits can apply, as well (3 semester hours=5 PLUs).

Why do I need to sign-in at all in-system courses and workshops?

State policies require that attendees "sign in attendance" and identify themselves by providing their own ID# (Staff ID or Social Security number) at all professional learning activities eligible for awarding PLU credit, to ensure that accurate credit is awarded.  To make sure you receive proper credit, don't leave instructors or course facilitators with the responsibility of matching your signature with your ID#.  Don't forget to sign-in and provide your own Staff ID or Social Security number at all professional learning sessions, so that you receive proper PLU credit!

If my certificate expires June 30^th of this year, when is the last day to earn PLUs for my upcoming renewal?

You may continue to earn PLUs for your upcoming renewal during the current school year, up to and including the date of the expiration on file with the GaPSC, which is usually June 30^th.  (You may login at http://www.gapsc.com/   using your Social Security number to check your current certificate expiration.)  If you have concerns about which courses will apply towards your upcoming renewal, please contact Georgia Professional Standards Commission. 

Where can I obtain information on certification testing and other information regarding certification?  

You may find answers to questions regarding testing certification and other information at t he below GACE website.  This site provides up-to-date registration and testing information, test preparation materials, and services that enable you to register and obtain your unofficial test results online.

How can I find out when my certificate expires?

To find out when your certificate will be expired you may visit GA Professional Standards Commission at the above link in the previous question.  Click on Check Certification Status on the left side of the page.  Enter your Social Security number or your Certification ID and select submit query.

How do I add PLUs I have earned through other agencies to my Professional Learning Record?

Send a copy of your certificate of completion or transcript from the agency where you earned the PLU credits to the Professional Learning Department at the Central Office.  Employees transferring from other county systems should request an official copy of their previous professional learning record from their former employer.  Keep a copy for your personal files and send a copy to the Professional Learning Department at the Central Office.

Can I get PLU credit for a conference or seminar if PLUs are not awarded by the training agency?

Yes!  Access the PL Form 1 Request for Professional Learning; have it signed by your supervisor and send to Janice Gordon, Coordinator for Professional Learning.  Attach a conference/meeting agenda to your request.  You will be notified of approval.

What do I do with college credits I have received and how do they apply towards the 10-PLU/5 year certification renewal requirement?

Send a copy of any college transcripts to the Human Resources Department at the Central Office.  College credit will not show up on your PLU record in the Professional Learning Department, as Human Resources prefers to maintain a paper file in your personnel record.  These go toward your certification renewal requirement (3 semester hours = 5 PLUs).

How can I find out how many PLUs I have earned?

It is each person's responsibility to maintain copies of any certificates or documentation awarding PLUs.  The certificates or documentation should show how many PLUs were awarded for each event attended.  In the event verification is needed, you may obtain a copy of your transcript from Human Resources. 

Students will not achieve more if we do not improve our own learning.