Tuition Assistance Update Information

Date: Tuesday, 22 February 2005 1:01pm ET
To: Apex Staff
From: SONEILL@WCPSS
Subject: Tuition Assistance Update Information

PURPOSE
The Wake County Public School System recognizes the importance of maintaining, developing, and extending the skills of all its employees. Employees are encouraged to engage in programs that will lead to their professional growth, expansion of skills, and increased job competence. In support of employee professional growth the Recruitment and Retention Office in the WCPSS Human Resources Department administers tuition assistance based on the following eligibility and selection criteria. Tuition assistance covers tuition costs only; fees and textbooks are not covered. Because of the large number of eligible employees, a lottery system will be used to choose among eligible applicants.

ELIGIBILITY & SELECTION CRITERIA

Tuition assistance is available to permanent, full-time and part-time, licensed and non-licensed employees. Priority is given to teachers serving in critical needs areas, such as special education, math, science, ESL, and foreign language. To be eligible, employees must be employed by the Wake County Public School System in a full-time or part-time permanent position, both at the beginning of the course, the end of the course, and at the time checks are issued.
Teachers in Critical Needs Areas of Special Education, Math, Science, ESL, Foreign Language are eligible for one course per fiscal year. If the application is selected, the teacher receives the lesser of 100% actual tuition or $500.
Teacher Assistants are eligible for one course per fiscal year. If the application is selected, the Teacher Assistant receives the lesser of 75% actual tuition or $500.
All other employees are eligible for one course per fiscal year. If the application is selected, the employee receives the lesser of 50% actual tuition or $400.
Substitute employees, hourly paid temporary employees, and employees on long-term leave of absence are NOT eligible for tuition assistance.

COURSE ELIGIBILITY

Eligible coursework includes college level courses that are part of a degree program and are reported through an official transcript. Continuing education, community schools classes, seminars and workshops are not eligible for tuition assistance. Coursework should be relevant to the employee’s current job responsibilities or desired area of licensure.
E-mail for Questions about Tuition Assistance to tuition_assistance@wcpss.net