Frequently Asked Questions

1.  How long is my lunch period? 
Each teacher shall have no less than twenty-five (25) consecutive minutes each day for lunch during which they shall be given no duties.

2.  How much Plan time am I allowed? 
Elementary and Middle School: A minimum of 200 minutes per week, within the teacher work day, shall be provided for each elementary and middle school teacher for individual planning, preparation, or consultation.

High School: A minimum of 225 minutes per week, within the instructional day, shall be provided for each high school teacher for individual planning, preparation, or consultation.

All: No more than one planning period per week, during this designated time, may be required for group/collaborative planning. Teachers will not be required to forfeit minimum plan time for uses other than those agreed upon in the Master Contract.

3.  How long am I required to stay at a faculty meeting? 
Except in an emergency, after-school building faculty/school business meetings will be held on Mondays, if needed, and shall not exceed one hour beyond the teachers’ regular contract day. Principals should attempt to seek consensus on the most convenient time for a majority of the staff to meet. Meetings may be held before school, or on days other than Monday, if it is determined through consensus that this best meets the needs of the individual site.

4.  What are my obligations outside the contract day? 
The principal shall not require any teacher to attend more than three (3) special events. Examples of special events which may be designated as requiring the attendance of selected individuals are: commencement, back-to-school night or similar activities, elementary promotions, spring open house, school orientations, as well as other events which, in the judgment of the administration of the school or the District, require the presence and/or active involvement of teachers and others.

5.  What is the definition of a flip flop? 
A flip flop is a shower shoe.  If you can take a shower in it without ruining it, it’s a shower shoe.

6.  What should happen after I write a discipline referral? 
Students who are removed from class for disciplinary reasons will not be allowed to return to the class where the referral originated until the referring teacher has received notification from a designated authority of such return and the action taken as to the student. This notification will be in writing when possible or, if oral, should be given directly from the authority to the teacher. If a verbal response is given, a written response regarding the disciplinary action taken is still required.

7.  How many Personal Days do I get? 
Each teacher will be provided with five (5) personal leave days. The first four personal days used shall be at no cost to the teacher. The last two days shall be charged to the teacher at the lowest substitute amount.

 8.  How do I resign from TPS? 
The following procedures should be followed:  Immediately contact your administrator to discuss your intent to resign; give 30 days’ written notice addressed to the Superintendent and copied to your administrator. Be sure to include your current position and work site and on what date the resignation shall be effective.

9.  How do I request a transfer? 
Go to www.tulsaschools.org and:

  • Login to Employee Self Service (the same location where you can see your pay advice)
  • Click on “Employment Opportunities” in the drop-down menu on the left side of your page
  • In the drop-down menu, click “Teacher Transfer.”
  • Complete the online form and submit your request.

10.  What if I have questions about my Evaluation? 
Contact the TCTA office at 918.749.2544.  You have the right to a representative in any meeting regarding your job performance.