Frequently Asked Questions

How much planning time will I receive?

• The Board will provide all elementary school teachers a minimum of 225 minutes per week within the students' day for planning. In all elementary schools, the minimum time shall be scheduled for each teacher in blocks of not less than 30 minutes (when possible) per day and shall be free from student responsibility within that time during the student day. Effort will be made to provide equitable distribution of this planning time throughout the week in keeping with the desires of the staff of individual schools (page 14).

• Secondary teachers will normally be provided with a minimum of five planning periods per week (page 14). 

I'm a Secondary School Counselor,  Music Teacher, or School Nurse. What if my position requires work outside of my normal duty day?

• For Secondary School Counselors, refer to page 35 in the Negotiated Agreement for information regarding volunteering for working in the summer.

• For Music Teachers, refer to pages 35-36 in the Negotiated Agreement for information regarding working outside of your normal duty day.

• For School Nurses, refer to pages 36-37 in the Negotiated Agreement for information regarding volunteering for working in the summer.

As a nontenured teacher, I am receiving an additional salary increase. How does this work?

• Your time is important to us. Because you have additional responsibilities as a nontenured teacher (New Teacher Orientation, mentoring, etc.), you are compensated for that time. Page 37 of the Negotiated Agreement goes over what this additional stipend will look like for your years as a nontenured teacher with SMCPS.

How much leave will I get?

• You will receive one day of sick leave per month worked each year. These sick days will be advanced to you at the start of the school year. We strongly encourage you to consider joining the Sick Leave Bank. Please refer to the "Leave" section of this website for more information.

  • Please refer to pages 51-54 in the Negotiated Agreement for more details regarding your sick leave.

• 3 days of personal leave for all 10-month employees and 4 days of personal leave for all 11-month employees will also be advanced to you at the start of the school year. 

  • Please refer to pages 54-55 in the Negotiated Agreement for more details regarding your personal leave.

• 12-month employees earn Annual Leave. The amount of annual leave earned depends on the number of years worked with SMCPS.

  • Please refer to page 55 for more information about Annual Leave.

• There are other types of leave, so take a minute to look over this section of the Negotiated Agreement (pages 50-65). This is also where you will find information about Bereavement Leave, Jury Duty, and Inclement Weather.

Tuition Reimbursement! Tell me more!

• We encourage you to continue to grow professionally. Please refer to the "Other Benefits" section of this website for more information about tuition reimbursement. Also refer to pages 40-44 in the Negotiated Agreement for more specific details regarding tuition reimbursement.

What do I need to know about teacher observations and evaluations?

• You will be provided with a wealth of information regarding your observation and evaluation, but it's helpful to always refer to the Negotiated Agreement. Pages 79-81 in the Negotiated Agreement will help you with the general details to help you know what to expect.