Section 8: Professional Development

  • 8.1 Professional Development is defined as adult learning that enhances a Teacher’s skills, abilities, knowledge, and/or qualifications for the purpose of supporting student learning.
  • 8.2 Professional Development funds are to be determined annually based on the budgetary process. Starting in September 2025, the funds will be provided in a division-based budget that may be accessed via an application process. PSSD will report the Professional Development fund amount to the PSTA annually.
    • 8.2.1 Professional Development funds are provided to:
      • a. Support achievement of school, division, and provincial learning goals
      • b. Enhance professional competencies of Teachers
      • c. Enhance professional reflection to support student learning and development
      • d. Facilitate collaboration between Teachers
      • e. Support needs specific to the context of the school
    • 8.2.2 The process (as per 2020-2023 LINC agreement) for the disbursement of existing school-based professional development funds will continue until depleted. School-based funds must be accessed prior to applying for division-based funds. The PSSD-PSTA Local Negotiations Subcommittee will have the following responsibilities:
      • 8.2.2.1 Develop criteria
      • 8.2.2.2 Establish timelines
      • 8.2.2.3 Adjudicate all applications
      • 8.2.2.4 Report on disbursement of funds
  • 8.3 PSSD will consult with the PSTA to support and inform the direction of PSSD professional development and to ensure the inclusion of Teacher voice and expertise.
  • 8.4 Additional professional development time may be accessed through Discretionary Release Time as defined in 12.12.4.

Updated: 2025-09-08