The Classified Professional Development program was established in 1991. This unique program is a collaborative effort between the district and PSE, and it exemplifies the district’s commitment to providing quality training opportunities for classified staff.

Each classification unit has a training committee made up of classified employees from that specific unit and one advising administrator. The courses have been developed through the needs of the employees. Each spring the units are surveyed as to which courses will be offered the next year and if there are any new courses that need to be developed.

Each unit has a degree path to follow at Pierce College. Job-related certificates in Maintenance, Custodial Services, Transportation, and Health Clerks have been created through a cooperation between Bethel and Pierce College. These certificates can be attached to a Technical-General Associate degree.

A team of Bethel, Puyallup, Clover Park School Districts and Pierce College created the Pierce College Paraeducator degree. Each course recognizes the newly developed Washington State Core Competencies for Paraeducators. Child Nutrition staff have a degree path with the Child Nutrition Management Program degree. Secretaries and Clerks are working on either Business or Professional Secretary degrees.

Individuals with one-of-a-kind jobs can complete an individualized plan for their needs.

The job-related training has more than a knowledge reward. Upon completion of the first-180 hours of training and each 100 hour increments thereafter, an employee will receive added pay increments. This is a voluntary training program.

All participating employees will be required to attend the three core classes in order to complete their first 180 hours of training. Each core class contains district information that touches all classified staff. (Core I: Team Building, Futureschools; Core II: Public Relations as an Employee, Balancing Your Life; Core III: Students Rights and Responsibilities, Child Abuse Awareness, and Employee Rights and Responsibilities) Please note: Core classes do not need to be taken in sequence or completed prior to other professional classes.

For more information contact our office at—253-683-6027