1. Beginning Teacher Assistance Program Audio Lesson 1

2. Documents Important to All Teachers

3. Your Annual Checklist Whether it is your first year of teaching or your twentieth, there are documents and conditions with which every teacher should be familiar. 1. Contract - Pay attention to: current placement (step plus hours) on salary schedule. NOTE: Your actual number of years of teaching may not be the same as that used for your placement on the salary schedule. current placement (step plus hours) on salary schedule. NOTE: Your actual number of years of teaching may not be the same as that used for your placement on the salary schedule. amount of salary, number of payments, and benefits. amount of salary, number of payments, and benefits. beginning date and total days of employment. beginning date and total days of employment. current position and any extra duties (i.e. coaching, sponsorship, field trips, etc.). current position and any extra duties (i.e. coaching, sponsorship, field trips, etc.). general statements regarding job responsibilities. general statements regarding job responsibilities. board policies, whether or not stated in writing in the contract. board policies, whether or not stated in writing in the contract.

4. Checklist cont. 2. Board Policy Book - Know where it is located (either electronic or hard copy). Some commonly used sections are: Personnel Personnel a. Duties b. Leave policies – some are required by law; some are at discretion of school board c. Benefits – district can giveth and district can taketh d. Evaluation process e. Professional development f. Grievances – regular/civil rights g. Early release requirements Students and Staff Relations Students and Staff Relations Staff and Staff Relations Staff and Staff Relations Technology/Usage Agreements Technology/Usage Agreements Instruction/Curriculum/MAP Testing Instruction/Curriculum/MAP Testing

5. Checklist cont. 3. Salary Schedule and Addendums 4. Paycheck and Stub – know your deductions (i.e. taxes, MSTA dues, retirement plan, cafeteria plan, etc.) 5. Procedures for Substitutes 6. Emergency Procedures and Guidelines (fire, weather, and safe schools) 7. Professional Development Book