ARTICLE 18 ACADEMIC FELLOWSHIPS AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Chariho School District

A. A standing committee comprised of four (4) representatives appointed by the Superintendent and four (4) representatives appointed by NEA Chariho will jointly plan professional development programs for the Chariho Regional School District. All programs shall be subject to district approval.

B. The Chariho Regional School Committee shall annually or bi-annually seek part-time or full-time Academic Fellows.

The Fellow may be appointed for a period not to exceed two (2) years. From the pool of qualified applicants, the Superintendent shall recommend the best qualified candidate to the Committee without regard to seniority. Educators who serve in Academic Fellowship positions shall remain in the bargaining unit with commensurate salary and benefits and will be placed upon a leave of absence from their teaching position. At the conclusion of the academic fellowship period, the educator shall be reinstated to his/her former position.

C. The Academic Fellow shall guide and facilitate the implementation of a district initiative, project, or improvement effort, as detailed in a posting to all members of the bargaining unit. Included in the work of the Fellow shall be the development and arrangement of a comprehensive professional development program, including on-site college/university level courses and other relevant adult learning experiences which relate to the district initiative, project, or improvement effort. The Fellow shall be an ex-officio member of the standing committee referenced in A.

D. For district-approved college/university courses offered on site, educators who earn a documented passing grade are eligible for reimbursement for up to one (1) three (3) credit course per school year. Reimbursement must be requested within two (2) weeks of the issuance of grades.

E. The decision of the Resolution Attorney shall be final regarding grievances related to the appointment of Fellowships.