Q-How much preparation time is a teacher entitled to under our collective agreement?
A- Teachers with instructional duties are entitled to 200 minutes of preparation time per five (5) day cycle, or 240 minutes per six (6) day cycle. Preps should be in blocks of not less than 30 minutes each. An additional 30 minutes (per 5 day cycle) must be aggregated within 20 consecutive instructional days.
Teachers are further entitled to: 1) a full day of preparation time during the professional activity day prior to Term 1 reports; 2) a full day of preparation time during the first June professional activity day; 3) an additional half-day release day for classroom teachers (including French teachers, preparation coverage teachers) during the year upon availability of OT coverage. This day of coverage must be shared with another 1.0 (or equivalent combining to 2.0 FTE teachers…which generates a FULL day OT coverage) teacher in your school.
Q- My scheduled preparation time landed on a holiday (e.g. Thanksgiving Monday). Can I get the "missed" prep time back?
A- No. Holidays are not instructional days, and therefore you are not entitled to prep times during these days.
Q- I was ill and absent during my scheduled prep time. Can I get the "missed" prep time back after I return?
A- No. If you are away during your scheduled prep time, you will not be entitled to get it "back" after you return. Furthermore, if you were scheduled to provide prep coverage on a day you were ill, you will not need to pay "back" these periods when you return.
Q- How can I ensure I get my proper prep time?
A- 1) Review your assigned prep schedule and double check that you are getting the proper prep time;
2) Schedule class trips on days you do not have a prep;
3) Keep track of the days you did not get your scheduled prep time (e.g. lack of supply teachers) and approach your administrator(s) to get the missed time back;
4) If when doing prep coverage you are on time, teachers covering your class will more likely be on time also.
Q- Can my administrator(s) insist I use my prep time to do running records, CASI, etc…?
