Know Your Rights … Know Your Contract

Elementary/Primary School

PREP PERIODS AND GRADE LEVEL MEETINGS

Article 7:2-6: Every elementary teacher is to receive at least one 40 minute preparation period each workday. Grade level meetings will not be scheduled during a teacher's preparation time unless there is no alternative. If this does happen, the teacher must have a one workday notice of the meeting. In all cases, the teacher will have a make up prep period that same day the period was used for a meeting. This is the responsibility of the building administrator.

Question: So, what does this mean?

Answer: This means that -

  • You must have at least one free forty minute period during the day. You may have more than that, but you must have at least one.
  • Your administrator may not schedule grade level meetings during that forty minute preparation period.
  • The only time the administration can schedule a meeting is if there is no possible other way to find the time, and, if s/he does schedule a meeting during that time, you must have a one workday notice that the meeting is going to occur. (No, they cannot tell you 15 minutes in advance!)
  • If administration calls a grade level meeting during one of your preps, and gives proper notice, they must also give you a full forty minute replacement preparation period that day.
  • This is the responsibility of the school administration.

Preparation periods are acknowledged as an integral part of the teacher work experience. The District has agreed to P.E.A. proposals in this area because the Superintendent recognizes this fact. Don't give up that which we have fought so hard to obtain!

Questions??? Contact your P.E.A. Delegate or call the P.E.A. at (973) 881-9445

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