A skills block is a staff development option that provides an opportunity and incentive for Douglas County School District employees to acquire new, additional, or higher-level skills. These training blocks of 18 or more instructional hours are available to all employee job categories and emphasize practical skills that employees acquire and demonstrate in their job assignments. The skills block program is one component of the Douglas County School District performance pay program and participation is voluntary.

All skills blocks are sponsored by Douglas County School District and are available through the online course catalog at various times throughout the year. Upon successful completion of a skills block and assessment, an employee receives a one-time payment as described below for each job category. Employees who complete a skills block that is not approved for their designated job category may receive relicensure credit, but will not receive the advertised stipend.

Note: Employees must attend skills blocks outside their regular work hours to qualify for the performance pay stipend.

Note: Knowledge Level (Salary) Advancement credit may not be substituted for skills block payment.

The following skills blocks and payments are available to Douglas County School District employees: