With prior approval, instructional staff members may take paid professional leave (vacation or personal leave) to engage in activities during the workday which will result in his/her professional benefit or advancement, including earning college credits and degrees, or that will contribute to the profession of teaching.

An instructional staff member must submit to his/her supervisor a description of the course or activity, time needed away from work, and a narrative describing the relationship with the course and/or activity and the profession of teaching. All documentation, including the instructional staff member’s work schedule while attending the course or activity, must be approved prior to attending courses or activities.

"Extended professional leave" is also availble for professional leave exceeding more than thirty (30) consecutive days if the intructional staff member has accumulated enough paid professional leave (vacation or personal leave).

In no case shall an instructional staff member be permitted to work toward an advanced or supplemental degree or receive college credit during the workday or at any time when the School Board pays the instructional staff member’s salary or provides other reimbursement to the instructional staff member, unless such time is covered by appropriate leave.

Professional leave shall be approved only if specific times and frequency will not adversely affect the instructional staff member's job performance.

The Board may grant any member of the instructional staff three (3) consecutive weeks professional leave during any fiscal year with compensation when school is not in session; however, such leave shall be cumulative for not more than two (2) years.

Teachers who have not been reappointed to teach in Polk County the next school term will not be granted professional leave, and personnel who were not employed during the preceding year cannot be granted professional leave if they find it necessary to miss the opening of school or to be absent during pre-school because of college obligation.

Five (5) days of professional summer school leave with pay may be granted to teachers attending colleges or workshops when the schedules are such that leave is necessary. The application for such leave must state the last day of registration or entry that can be made without penalty. Any leave exceeding five days must be personal leave. No summer school leave will be granted while the students are still in attendance.

Teachers may appeal this decision to the Human Resources division for review and possible approval by the Superintendent.

Professional summer school leave will only be granted to personnel to attend summer school as students receiving instruction and in no case will such leave be granted for those who accept positions as teachers or instructors for pay.

Bargaining unit members should refer to the collective bargaining agreement for more information pertaining to professional leave.

F.S. 1012.22(2), 1012.23, 1012.64
F.A.C. 6A-1.081, Professional Leave and Extended Professional Leave; Definition

Adopted 1/20/15