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FCollegial Circles

Collegial Circles
Available Throughout The Year
An Alternative In-service Program

Download an application here:

Collegial Circle Application Form   [Microsoft Word Format]

Q: What is a Collegial Circle?

A: A Collegial Circle is a group of Teacher Center constituents who meet to discuss a common goal, need, interest or essential question. There is a shared commitment to the purpose of the group. Each group will explore and evaluate its purpose, using the shared decision making process.

Q: How is a Collegial Circle conducted?

A: The group will select a facilitator, who will receive the same credits or remuneration as an instructor for an in-service course. He/she will facilitate all meetings and keep the records required by the Center. Each group will be required to have an Action Plan and to meet the district’s requirement for one inservice credit or remuneration. After each session, every participant must complete a reflective assessment form.

 
Q: Why would I participate in  a Collegial Circle?
 
A: To get inservice credits or payment. If there is a project you are already planning with your colleagues, do it as a Collegial Circle and you can all get inservice credit!
 
Q: How many hours is a Collegial Circle?
 
A: At least 15 hours, for 1 inservice credit. The group may complete these 15 hours at their own pace, as long as they are finished by the annual deadline (this year May 12, 2008).
 
Q. I don’t need any more credits. What is the inservice payment rate?
 
A: In the 2007-08 school year the rate is $20.55 per hour to participate in a collegial circle. The rate to facilitate is double that ($41.10).
 
Q. What kinds of projects will be approved?
 
A: Almost anything that directly impacts instruction. Colleagues could work to resolve a common “problem”, modify a thematic unit, explore new teaching strategies, share lessons and ideas, or read and discuss literature related to your subject area. Book discussion groups are allowed to use 5 of the 15 hours for independent reading.
 
Q: How many people can be in a collegial circle?
 
A: At least 4, and no more than 9 participants, plus 1 facilitator.
 
Q: Where does a Collegial Circle meet?
 
A: Wherever you want! You can meet at school, at someone’s house, at the library, or any location where you can accomplish your goals.
 
Q: When does a Collegial Circle meet?
 
A: Whenever you want! The group should get together and decide on whatever meeting times are convenient for all of the members of the group. Collegial Circles for the 2007-08 school year must be completed by May 12, 2008.
 
Q: Can a Collegial Circle meet during school hours?
A: No. The group can meet at any time outside of the teachers’ regular school hours.
 
Q: I would like to initiate a Collegial Circle. How do I get started?
A: Identify a collegial project that relates to your teaching then ask any of your colleagues if they are interested in working with you. If they are, then complete an application and submit it to the Teacher Center. When your application is approved, set up a first meeting.
 
Q: As a participant in a Collegial Circle, what do I have to hand in to get credit?
 
A: Each participant has to hand in a reflection (approximately two typed pages) describing what they learned and how this relates to their teaching. The facilitator has to hand in a log describing the group’s activities.
 
Q. What is the role of the facilitator?
 
A: Each Collegial Circle must have one facilitator. The facilitator initiates the project, organizes the group and submits the application. It is the facilitator’s responsibility to keep a log of what took place at the meetings. This log must be handed in when the Collegial Circle is completed. In addition, the facilitator makes sure the group stays focused on its task and goals.
 
Q. Why would I want to be the facilitator?
 
A: In return for the extra work involved in facilitating a C.C., the facilitator receives double credit or payment. For example, for a 15 hour C.C . the facilitator receives two inservice credits or 30 hours of payment.
 
Q. Sounds great, but we are too busy! Can we do this in the summer?
 
A: Yes! Just make sure that you fill out the 2007-08 application form. Remember, your course must be approved by the Teacher Center before you begin.
 
Q: Where do I get an application?
 

A: Download one from the link below, or call the teacher center at X6539, or e-mail Janice Alber at the teacher center.


Collegial Circle Application Form [Microsoft Word Format]

 

   

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