Teacher and Principal Evaluation System Protocols
The Lynbrook School District believes that well-designed and implemented teacher and principal evaluations (“Annual Professional Performance Review”; “APPR”) are an important tool to help support educator growth and development. With this goal in mind, the measures that are used as part of an annual evaluation will provide useful information to district administrators and the educators who are being evaluated that helps support educators and leverage their expertise. In turn, this helps ensure equitable access to effective educators for all students so that students are given the skills to succeed.
The Lynbrook School District will fully implement its currently approved APPR plans. These plans are consistent with the plans for reopening under an in-person, remote, or hybrid instructional model. No variance application is required by the Department of Education.
The Lynbrook School District reviewed and modified the current observation rubric which utilizes the Danielson Framework for teachers and the Multidimensional Model for principals. The observation rubrics are designed to support the reopening under an in-person, remote or hybrid instructional model.
Certification, Incidental Teaching, and Substitute Teaching
The Lynbrook School District reopening plan provides information regarding certification for prospective and practicing educators as well as personnel who are involved with staffing.
Pursuant to Education Law 3001, the Lynbrook School District requires that all teachers, school and district leaders, and pupil personnel service professionals hold valid and appropriate certificates for their assignments except where otherwise allowable under the Commissioner’s regulations (e.g., incidental teaching) or Education Law.
The Personnel Office will review the SIRS 329 Staff Certifications report to ensure that teachers, school and district leaders, and pupil personnel service professionals hold the appropriate certificates for their assignments.
In response to the COVID-19 crisis, the Superintendent may assign certified teachers to teach a subject not covered by their certificate (incidental teaching) for a period not to exceed ten classroom hours a week during the 2020-2021 school year, when no certified or qualified teacher is available after extensive and documented recruitment.
If necessary, the District may employ substitute teachers to address staffing needs for the allowable amount of days given their qualifications and teaching assignment following the guidance established by the New York State Education Department Office of Teaching Initiatives (OTI).
The District recognizes the important roles of student teachers in terms of bridging gaps related to remote/online instruction, and in supporting the teachers of record and the students, especially during these challenging times. The District will continue to welcome student teachers into its schools and classrooms, whether in person or remote, during the 2020-2021 school year.
The District will work with College and University Educator Preparation Programs to identify appropriate ways in which student teachers can support classroom instruction while ensuring that the student teachers are given the opportunity to develop critical knowledge and skills.