Educational Assistance

Overview

The first consideration in approving requests for tuition exemption will be given to those persons who are seeking certification and highly qualified status.

The Education Assistance Program helps employees finance formal education and Praxis exam fees. Education Assistance does not guarantee continued employment, new job assignments, pay increases, or promotions.

Funding

The first consideration in approving requests for tuition exemption will be given to those persons who are seeking certification and highly qualified status.  In addition, consideration will be given to teachers becoming certified and “highly qualified” in areas of critical shortage.

If funding is available, the following areas will also be considered:
1.  Teachers seeking advanced degrees in Core Content Areas, Curriculum & Instruction, and Administration & Supervision.

2.  Teachers seeking additional content knowledge in their current areas of certification and/or assignment.

3.   Administrators seeking professional growth through advanced degrees and coursework.

Eligibility

All employees must be employed during the entire school semester for which assistance is sought.
New Hires: The course must begin after your first day of employment.
Separated Employees: Course must be completed during your time of employment.
Employees on sabbatical leave will not be eligible for tuition reimbursement.
Employees must attend an accredited institution and must receive grades and college degree credits.

Reimbursement

A maximum of $ 500.00 will be reimbursed per semester (July 1 through June 30) except for teacher seeking certification in current position. Any courses starting prior to June 30 and ending after July 1 will count toward the new fiscal year’s tuition reimbursement allotment. This funding amount may change due to grant allocations. Tuition for credit courses may be paid for participants who successfully complete approved courses as evidenced by a grade of A, B, C, or Pass for a Pass/Fail course.
Each participant must complete an Educational Assistance Form which must be signed by the Principal and submitted to Human Resources.

Late fees are the responsibility of the participant.

In order to receive tuition reimbursement, the following steps must be taken.

1. Download and complete an Educational Assistance Form.
2. Register for the coursework and pay fees.
3. Submit a completed form with an itemized fee bill (including the breakdown of charges) and proof of payment to Human Resources within 7 days of start of semester.
Receipt of form by ZCSB office does not guarantee reimbursement.
4. Participant then attends approved course(s).
5. Upon completion of coursework, the participant submits documentation of final grades or test results to Human Resources.
6. After final approval, reimbursement will be paid to the participant within 30 days of receipt of grades by the business department. Requests with incomplete documentation will not be processed.

Note: Funding for advanced degrees will not be  approved unless the employee has meet all requirements for the LA DOE Standard  or Professional Level Certificate.

Other Funding Options:

CTE:
Classroom Teacher Enrollment Program

BESE Tuition Program for teachers


Contacts:

Yolanda Williams, Director of Human Resources
Gwendolyn J. Longmire, Director of Federal Programs
Kim Heikes, Clerk at 225-658-4969
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