A Chapter of the National Federation of Nonpublic School State Accrediting Associations

"Assuring Excellence in Education in Missouri's Nonpublic Schools"

IV. Professional Staff

Members of the professional staff are committed, qualified individuals who are willing to support the mission and philosophy of the school.  The staff is adequate in number and diversity to provide for the educational needs of all students with focus on the whole child.

Professional development programs focus on school improvement and professional growth as these relate to the goals of the school mission and philosophy.  Staff members are actively involved in planning their professional growth.

Membership Standards

4.0a     All full-time teachers have a state teacher certificate or are working toward this certification.

4.0b     For sectarian schools, teachers of Religion/Theology fulfill the requirements and/or certification as designated by the sponsoring agency or have a written plan in place as to how they will fulfill this requirement.

4.0c     Child abuse and neglect screening is completed for all professional staff who work with students.  This screening is done upon initial employment and periodically thereafter.

4.0d     All professional staff have current health records of medical examination and tuberculosis testing, as required by the local health department.

4.0e     All professional staff are evaluated regularly as required by the sponsoring agency.

4.0f      All professional staff participate annually in ongoing professional development and inservice opportunities which are developed in light of best practices in professional development, their identified needs and the needs of the learners and the school.

4.0g     An orientation and mentoring program is in place for new teachers.

4.0h     Each member of the professional staff has a written plan for ongoing professional development on file with the administrator.

4.0i      Discriminatory practices based on racial, ethnic background, or sex are not used in hiring of school personnel.  In church-affiliated schools, preference may be given to members of that faith.

4.0j      The school provides to all professional staff holding a state teaching certificate the procedures and programs in the areas of mentoring, professional evaluation, and record keeping/reporting necessary for these staff member to maintain their certification.