Professional Development Fund

Teachers College maintains a Professional Development Fund to be used for reimbursing full-time professional staff, and secretarial/clerical employees for developmental activity that relates to their job. To qualify, employees must be in their full-time position for at least six (6) consecutive months of employment.

Professional Development refers to the training, certification, or continuing education that an employee may engage in to improve their skills, and grow their knowledge. By participating in professional development activities, not only will you enhance your value as an employee, but you will also ensure that you remain relevant in your career field.

Based on the availability of funds, professional staff members may be reimbursed up to $300 per fiscal year. Secretarial/Clerical staff members may be reimbursed up to $315 per fiscal year, in accordance with the Local 2110 Union Contract. 

In accordance with the Professional Development Policy, you may request reimbursement for the following professional development activities: 

1. Work-Related books or guides.
   Example: A Chronicle of Higher Education Work-guides, or an SQL Data Analytics Book.
   
   
2. Work-Related training programs, courses, webinars, or workshops.
   Example: A one or two-day training program where you receive a professional certificate or certificate credits, AERA Virtual Research Learning Series, or a Coursera course
   
   
3. Admission to professional development events and conferences.
   Example: Admission cost of a SHRM conference for an HR Professional or an American Society of Journalists and Authors Conference for a Communications professional.
   
   
4. Professional Membership Fees and Professional Certification costs. 
5. Continuing Education costs, including degree and non-degree costs, and advanced certificate courses and programs. 

At least 10 days in advance of the professional development activity, the employee’s supervisor must submit the activity information, and an endorsement of the activity for approval from Human Resources through the PD Fund Submission Form, linked below.

Professional Development Fund Submission Form

After approval from the Human Resources office, the employee must upload the following documents via their ChromeRiver account for reimbursement:

• Receipt or proof of payment
• Information about the Professional development activity (such as a course or webinar description)
• Confirmation of supervisor approval

If you have any questions, please contact the HR Operations Manager at ml3860@tc.columbia.edu.