Model Pathway FAQ
1) Who is eligible to register for the Model Pathway?
Answer: BTU Professionals must be on the Professional Pathway to register, and must not have received an unsatisfactory evaluation the year prior to going through the Model process.
2) How do I register for the Model Pathway?
Answer: BTU Professionals who wish to register for the Model Pathway must use the link provided on City Schools Inside and on the BTU website. No paper registrations will be accepted. There are two cohorts per year, and each cohort has a specific registration period.
3) If I register for the Model Pathway, am I obligated to go through the whole process?
Answer: No. Registration for the Model Pathway simply expresses interest. Candidates may withdraw from the process up until the withdrawal deadline. However, candidates must attend an information session for every cohort in which they intend to pursue Model status, as policies may change between cohorts.
4) What is my principal’s role in the Model process?
Answer: Your principal is not involved in the Model process. Candidates’ profiles are scored by PPRC members with no input from principals. Principals will only be notified at the end of the cohort of candidates who have been successfully placed on the Model Pathway.
5) What is the difference between moving to the Model Pathway and moving up the Professional Pathway?
Answer: Movement to the Model Pathway occurs if a BTU Professional voluntarily applies to and participates in the Peer Review Process and receives a recommendation from the Professional Peer Review Committee. Movement through the Professional Pathway occurs by accruing AUs and moving up intervals. (12 AUs equals one interval.)
6) How can I be “grandfathered” into the Model Pathway?
Answer: BTU professionals were considered for the Alternative Options placement on the Model Pathway if they met the following criteria by June 30,2011. This was a one-time opportunity. All BTU Professionals who were not alternatively placed by June 30, 2011 must go through the peer review process.
- Master’s + 30
- 10 years of service in Baltimore City Public Schools
- 2 proficient evaluations from 2009, 2010 or 2011 and no unsatisfactory evaluations in the last three years and in 2010-2011
7) Will BTU Professionals who have already been placed on the Model Pathway be required to be a part of the Professional Peer Review Committee?
Answer: Model Educators may be asked to serve on the Professional Peer Review Committee (PPRC), but are not required to do so. Serving on the PPRC fulfills the “additional roles and responsibilities” that Models must take on, but it does not guarantee Model recertification.
8) When will potential candidates know the dates, deadlines, requirements, expectations and rubrics for the Model Pathway?
Answer: All information pertinent to the Model Pathway process will be released on City Schools Inside and theBaltimore Teachers Union website. In addition, interested parties may email the Joint Governing Panel (JGP) at any time with questions. The JGP’s email address is .
9) In what areas will candidates have to demonstrate their excellence to be accepted onto the Model Pathway?
Answer: Candidates will provide evidence of excellence in four domains: Learner Achievement, Instruction/Support Services or Services for Related Service Providers, Developing as a Professional and Leadership.
10) Where is the Model Rubric located?
Answer: The Model Rubric is posted on City Schools Inside and theBaltimore Teachers Union websiteso that BTU Professionals may use it when compiling their artifacts and creating their online profile.
11) If I go through the Model process and I am placed on the Model Pathway, when will my new salary be effective?
Answer: Model status will be effective the July 1after the candidate went through the process. For example,if a candidate goes through the process in the fall of 2013 and is successful, s/he willbe a Model as of July 1, 2014. The pay increase will begin during the next school year.
12) What does a Model profile consist of?
Answer: A Model profile consists of artifacts that correlate to the candidate’s mastery in the four domains, as well as a recorded video of a lesson or session. All artifacts and videos must be aligned with the Model rubric indicators, as well as the guidance that candidates receive.
13) What types of artifacts can I upload when I apply to the Model Pathway?
Answer: Artifacts can be in a variety of formats, including word, PDF, PPT, and Excel. They should show the positive impact BTU Professionals have had in four domains: Learner Achievement, Instruction/Support Services, Developing as a Professional and Leadership. Specific artifact guidance is provided to candidates when they attend an information session.
14) What topics will be covered in the JGP information sessions?
Answer: Attendees will familiarize themselves with the Model Rubric, they will become acclimated with the resources available to help them, and they will learn how to access the resources necessary to build their profile.
15) Who scores the Model profiles?
Answer: Members of the Professional Peer Review Committee (PPRC) score the profiles. PPRC members are current Models. Profiles will be scored by PPRC members whose certification, licensure, and/or experience match that of the candidate submitting the profile.
16) How long does it take for profiles to get scored?
Answer: The amount of time it takes for profiles to be scored depends on many factors, such as the number of profiles submitted, the number of PPRC members available to score, the length of the profiles, etc. Profiles will be scored in a thorough and thoughtful manner that respects and does justice to the candidate’s work. Consistent and fair scoring is the first priority.
17) How will I receive my Model profile results?
Answer: Candidates will receive email notification of their Model submission results.
18) How do I create and submit my Model Profile?
Answer: The Model Profile will be built through a course on TSS Blackboard, and then exported to a disc. The profile disc and the disc containing the candidate’s recorded lesson/session will be submitted to the JGP at City Schools headquarters.
19) How are AUs and salary affected once someone is placed on the Model Pathway?
Answer: Successful candidates are on the Model Pathway effective July 1 after they have gone through the process. Only AUs earned once a candidate is on the Model Pathway (after July) will be applied to that person’s career profile. Model pay will begin the school year after the candidate has successfully made it through the Model process.
20) What happens when Models reach interval 5 of the Model Pathway?
Answer: Interval 5 is the final interval of the Model Pathway. Once a Model reaches interval 5, a 1% increase in salary is applied every time 24 AUs are earned.
21) Who can I contact if I have questions?
Answer: You can contact the Joint Governing Panel (JGP) at , and follow the JGP on Facebook and Twitter.
22) How can Alternative Options Models recertify their Model status?
Answer: Recertification requirements for Alternative Options Models are being negotiated in the next contract. The process for recertification will be communicated once it has been determined.