1.  How long is my lunch period? 
Each teacher shall have no less than twenty-five (25) consecutive minutes each day for lunch during which they shall be given no duties.
In collaboration with the principal, teachers will be afforded the flexibility to build transition time into their daily schedules, in order for teachers to have their contractually obligated uninterrupted duty-free lunch time.
When possible, school counselors and deans will not be assigned to lunch/hall duties that would cause them to be unable to serve students or parents on a continuing basis for an extended period of time.
Section XI (F) page 59

2.  How much Plan time am I allowed? 
A minimum of 200 minutes per week, within the instructional day, shall be provided for each elementary teacher for individual planning, preparation, or consultation. A minimum of 225 minutes per week, within the instructional day, shall be provided for each middle and high school teacher for individual planning, preparation, or consultation. Principals shall endeavor to ensure that planning time for teachers will be provided in equivalent blocks of time, when possible, and not divided into increments of less than 40 minutes. No more than one planning period per week, during this designated time, may be required for group/collaborative planning. Teachers will not be required to forfeit minimum plan time for uses other than those agreed upon in the Master Contract.
In collaboration with the principal, teachers will be afforded the flexibility to build transition time into their daily schedules, in order for teachers to have their contractually obligated uninterrupted planning time. Section XI (D) page 59

3.  How long am I required to stay at a faculty meeting? 
Except in an emergency, after-school building faculty/school business meetings will be held on Mondays, if needed, and shall not exceed one hour beyond the teachers’ regular contract day. Principals should attempt to seek consensus on the most convenient time for a majority of the staff to meet. Meetings may be held before school, or on days other than Monday, if it is determined through consensus that this best meets the needs of the individual site. Section IX (D) page 50

4.  What are my obligations outside the contract day? 

Teachers are expected to attend all departmental meetings of instructional assistance of their subject or grade level unless properly excused. If a teacher finds it impossible to attend a meeting due to illness or an emergency, the principal or teacher should call the coordinator.
When held, district-wide department or grade-level meetings will occur once monthly, normally on the second or fourth Thursday of the month. Section IX (B) page 49

Teachers fulfill a variety of roles in addition to those involving instructional and student supervisory responsibilities. The building principal may designate, prior to special events, the individuals who are required to attend special events involving school activities. When possible, the principal shall make their designation at the beginning of each semester. The principal shall not require any teacher to attend more than three (3) special events. Examples of special events which may be designated as requiring the attendance of selected individuals are: commencement, back-to-school night or similar activities, elementary promotions, spring open
house, school orientations, as well as other events which, in the judgment of the administration of the school or the District, require the presence and/or active involvement of teachers and others. Section IX (E) page 50

5.   Can I really wear jeans? 

Business casual attire, including clean, non-ripped jeans and school spirit wear, is appropriate throughout the school year depending upon particular classes, activities or circumstances requiring more casual and relaxed dress.

As a general rule, the following items are not considered business casual or appropriate:
     Tee shirts (without school logos), tank tops or halter tops
     Sweatshirts (without school logos) or sweat pants
     Cutoffs or shorts
     Gym suits or warm-up suits
     Flip flops (shower shoes)
     Ripped, stained, soiled clothing or clothing which is too tight or revealing
The exceptions to the above are when a site has designated a day which shall involve a relax dress, a special event, or in the instance where the teacher is engaged in an activity or an assignment in which the wearing of tee shirts, gym suits, jogging suits or similar attire is appropriate to the activity or class. Section XI (J) page 61

6.  What should happen after I write a discipline referral? 
Students who are removed from class for disciplinary reasons will not be allowed to return to the class where the referral originated until the referring teacher has received notification from a designated authority of such return and the action taken as to the student. This notification will be in writing when possible or, if oral, should be given directly from the authority to the teacher. If a verbal response is given, a written response regarding the disciplinary action taken is still required. Section VIII (C) pages 47-48

At the request of the teacher to the designated authority, a student may be removed from a class and not be allowed to return until a conference is held between the teacher, the parents or guardians, and a representative of the administration. Section VIII (A) page 47

Additionally, you should keep an original copy of any referral that is written. When/if changes are made, they should also be in writing (not contract language).

7.  How many Personal Days do I get? 
Each teacher will be provided with five (5) personal leave days. The first four personal days used shall be at no cost to the teacher. The last two days shall be charged to the teacher at the lowest substitute amount.

 8.  How do I resign from TPS? 
The following procedures should be followed:  Immediately contact your administrator to discuss your intent to resign; give 30 days’ written notice addressed to the Superintendent and copied to your administrator. Be sure to include your current position and work site and on what date the resignation shall be effective.

9.  How do I request a transfer? 
Go to www.tulsaschools.org and:

• Login to Employee Self Service (the same location where you can see your pay advice)
• Click on “Employment Opportunities” in the drop-down menu on the left side of your page
• In the drop-down menu, click “Teacher Transfer.”
• Complete the online form and submit your request.

10.  What if I have questions about my Evaluation? 
Contact the TCTA office at 918.749.2544.  You have the right to a representative in any meeting regarding your job performance.