Continuing Education for teaching: Allowable expense?

[Dirk Squarejaw]

OK. I've been lurking around here for quite some time. Thought about filing last fall, but was able to make all my payments and then after Christmas my hours at my 2nd job dropped off and......well its time. I'm about 90% sure that I will be filing a 13 due to slightly over-the-median income, but mostly due to the extra protection from backlash from my cosigner ex.

One thing I just thought of last night as I was moving some files from one cabinet to another was that I am going to need to complete 2 college courses by 8/2011 to renew my teaching license. I'm hoping that the trustee would allow this, but after seeing some really strange things various trustees have pulled who knows.

Anyone ever had college tuition allowed as an expense? I mean, if I don't get these classes done and I'm in a BK13, then he/she won't be getting any money because I won't have a job.

[Knew_it_all]

Not many teachers actually <pay> for their continuing ed requirements..Usually done with CEUs (handed out free at inservices) and if they do go to grad school for a course or two, the district pays most if not all of it...Why would you want to expense it???

[Dirk Squarejaw]

Not many teachers actually <pay> for their continuing ed requirements..

ROTFLOMGWTFBBQ.....not the case in central Indiana. I've paid for mine in the past. Every other teacher in the state that I've met at conferences and discussed continuing ed with, etc. has paid for their own. All the older teachers in our corporation that have 'life licenses' paid for their own back in the day. Its been like that a long time around here.

Usually done with CEUs (handed out free at inservices)

Again, not the case in central Indiana. In this area, you can either pay $300-$400 (on top of workshop entry fees) for enough CRU's (Continuing Renewal Units) in boring workshops which many times have little or nothing to do with your teaching area or you can pay about $575 for an online course through one of the local universities and actually learn something.

if they do go to grad school for a course or two, the district pays most if not all of it...

WOW.....which state do you live in? I might need to think about leaving Indiana.

Why would you want to expense it???

Because it comes out of my pocket.

[Knew_it_all]

Squarejaw: Yikes! Since it is a <district level> and <local contract> issue I suppose that there are pockets scattered throughout the country where teachers are encouraged not to continue their education. I just thought most of those were like in Alabama or similar...After stints in Connecticut, Florida, Arizona and Maine, I can tell you that not having tuition reimbursement is the exception rather than the rule..What a lovely message it sends...Back to your post..Since you are talking about two courses at a grand total of maybe $1,800 or so, I would expense it out over 60 months...I don't think $30 a month will make or break a BK filing..

[One Half Full]

Wouldn't things and expenses dealing with your vocation/job/employment be considered under the "Tools of the Trade" exemption? Continuing education, like a uniform or a company car is necessary for you to practice your trade. If you think of it that way, I think it might work.

I'm not a teacher or that knowledgeable, but I figure that things involved with on-going employment most likely have some sort of exemption.

Oh, I wish you luck. teachers are great!

[Dirk Squarejaw]

Lately, my job and a couple hobbies have been keeping me sane and helping keep my mind off the whole bankruptcy matter. I teach a "fun" class and the kids have fun and so do I. They look forward to coming to my class and the various projects help keep me busy and my mind off of other matters.

If I can somehow slip into a BK7, it would be nice if it can be used as an expense on the Means Test. However, if it turns out that I have to go with a BK13, then I just hope that I am allowed to budget an amount in monthly so I can save up for the classes.

Squarejaw: Yikes! Since it is a <district level> and <local contract> issue I suppose that there are pockets scattered throughout the country where teachers are encouraged not to continue their education.

I really love teaching where I do. Its a smaller community with few of the problems that plague larger districts...however, with "My Man Mitch"-Daniels as govenor, schools across the state have lost tons of money and our union has been fighting since last fall for a new contract and has gotten absolutely nowhere with the issue. Hopefully it gets resolved soon. I like what the union does for us, but its also not good for the kids as we are not supposed to stay past our contract hours so we've cut out dances, etc.

[tay666]

Squarejaw: Yikes! Since it is a <district level> and <local contract> issue I suppose that there are pockets scattered throughout the country where teachers are encouraged not to continue their education. I just thought most of those were like in Alabama or similar....

Well, you can add pretty much all of Ohio to that list as well.
Schools here are funded by property tax.
And tax increases have to be approved by the voters first.
Most school districts have enough trouble just trying to pay the help and the costs of operating the schools. They can't afford to cover the teachers continuing education.
The teachers are expected to do that themselves.
Especially since it is required to keep their certificates.