Professional Development
Instructional staff who constantly grow into their roles are crucial to providing a high-quality education to students.
Paraeducators
Required Training
There are two components required for para training. The first is the Fundamental Course of Study (FCS). The second component is the General Paraeducator Certificate.
How Do I Complete the Training?
Step 1: Richland School District must provide Fundamental Course of Study (FCS) training to all K-12 paraeducators. Once paraeducators complete the 28 hours, email Tammi Trimm and request verification that you have completed the requirements for all 28 hours. If you have all the hours completed, the district will issue a signed clock hour form. You will then need to create an E-Cert account in the Education Data System (EDS) through OSPI to upload the clock hour form. If you need help setting up your EDS account, OSPI has created this User Guide. For additional help, contact Tonya Bartlett in OSPI's certification office.
Step 2: Paraeducators must earn an additional 70 hours of training to earn their General Paraeducator Certificate. This is started after completing the FCS training.
Available Para Training Dates
This year, the ESD will be offering FCS classes during parent teacher conferences. This will allow you to attend classes during your contracted day, without the need of a substitute.
| class | Date/Time/Location |
|---|---|
| FCS 01 |
March 9, 2023 |
| FCS 06 |
March 10, 2023 |
| FCS07 | March 9, 2023 1 - 3 p.m. Location: TLAC Boardroom |
| FCS10 |
March 10, 2023 |
Certified Staff
Teacher & Administrator Certification
Teacher and administrator certifications are granted and renewed through the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI)
Administrator Certification Process
National Board Certification
The district support teachers who seek their certification through the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. Stay tuned for more information about resources to aid in the certification process.