Long Term Sabbatical Leaves. The purposes of long-term sabbatical leaves in a program of professional development are: To recognize that the changes in both methods and subject matter of elementary and secondary education are so profound as to require that school personnel be given an opportunity to detach themselves from the performance of their duties for periods of a half year or longer in order to maintain proficiency in their fields of interest and specialization. To encourage teaching and administrative personnel to pursue their professional interests and contribute to the improvement of public education in Stamford and in the nation. To ensure that the Stamford School system will continue to attract teachers and supervisory personnel who are dedicated to the importance of education as a professional career with an opportunity, in Stamford, to help make a progressive system a model for communities elsewhere. In order to accomplish these goals, applications for professional leaves (sabbaticals) will be considered for a unit member who desires to accomplish a stated professional objective during a time period not to exceed one year in duration and which will not involve parts of two school years. The categories of academic leave, creative activities, educational activities, and public service leave are not intended to be all inclusive, but are presented as a guide both to those who prepare applications for leave and to those who are entrusted with their approval.
