Professional Development

Commitment to Continuous Learning and Career Growth 

Professional development refers to the ongoing process of enhancing skills, knowledge, and competencies relevant to an individual’s professional role. It includes a wide range of activities such as training sessions, workshops, seminars, conferences, certifications, mentoring, and continuing education—all designed to support career growth, improve job performance, and advance organizational effectiveness.

Professional development may involve:

• Participation in in-service training programs

• Attendance at professional or industry conferences

• Enrollment in college or university coursework

• Completion of certification programs or continuing education units (CEUs)

• Engagement in mentorship, peer collaboration, or instructional coaching

The Paramus Public School District is committed to fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional growth for all staff members. Professional development is recognized as a critical element in strengthening instructional and operational practices, promoting innovation, increasing job satisfaction, and ultimately improving student outcomes.

Staff participation in professional development may be mandated by the District, the New Jersey Department of Education, or may be self-initiated with administrative approval. Opportunities for professional learning are aligned with District goals, school improvement plans, and individual professional growth objectives.

Employees are encouraged to actively engage in relevant professional learning opportunities and to apply newly acquired knowledge and skills in support of the District’s mission and strategic priorities.

Approval Process for External Professional Development 

The District strongly encourages employees to pursue ongoing professional learning opportunities, including but not limited to graduate studies, District-sponsored professional development sessions, conferences, and workshops. Participation in such opportunities supports employee growth while advancing the goals and priorities of the District. 

For participation in external conferences or workshops, formal Board of education approval is required prior to enrollment. The approval process is as follows:

1. Submission of Request: Employees must complete and submit a  Professional Conference Request form.

2. Administrative Approval: The request must first be reviewed and approved by the school principal or their designee.

3. Superintendent Approval: Following administrative approval, the request must be submitted to the Superintendent or their designee for final approval.

All required forms are available on the District’s website and in the main office of each school building. Employees are responsible for completing the approval process prior to making any travel or financial commitments. 

Graduate Courses for Professional Growth (for EAP Only)

Professional development is encouraged for EAP staff members through continuing graduate studies and may be used for Salary Guide Advancement. All graduate courses must meet the New Jersey graduate-level requirements through an accredited college or university. Professional Development courses are not considered graduate courses and will not be approved, eligible for reimbursement or salary advancement.

For advancement on the salary guide and/or tuition reimbursement, the staff member must submit a Request for Graduate Course Approval form - during the year (September 1 - August 31) in which the courses are being taken - for every course they intends to take, in accordance with the following deadlines cited in the current EAP Agreement.

• Fall Semester- request for approval due no later than September 30th.

• Spring Semester - request for approval due no later than February 15th.

• Summer Semester - request for approval due no later than June 30th.

Graduate Course Approval Process

Requests for Graduate Course Approval are submitted to the Department of Human Resources via a completed request form, along with course descriptions attached for all courses which must include the number of credits each course will receive upon completion. A maximum of nine (9) graduate credits will be approved for advancement on the salary guide in any one (1) semester. Any exceptions must be approved in writing by the Superintendent prior to enrollment.