New Hires Start Here - Mesquite ISD 2022

All teachers, students, and administrators have portal access from any campus or district home page. Just look for the "Portal" tab on the right hand side or click below:

MISD PORTAL

NOTE: After employment contracts are signed and paperwork has been processed, MISD's Professional Learning department will email usernames and temporary passwords to new teachers at the email address you provided to Personnel on the blue form.

Electronic Resources and Systems

After employment contracts are signed and paperwork has been processed, MISD's Professional Learning department will email usernames and temporary passwords to new teachers at the email address you provided to Personnel on the blue form.

Once you have received your username and password, you can access your email account through Outlook Online, located in the MISD Employee Portal (see above).

To add your new MISD email account to your smart phone, you'll need to identify the account as an EXCHANGE account. When prompted, enter your full email address (you@mesquiteisd.org) and your new MISD password.

Grade Book, Student Attendance, and Student Information (Skyward)

Skyward is the system teachers use to record student attendance and grades, and it also provides easy access to parent contact information. For help with Skyward issues, send an email to skyward@mesquiteisd.org.

Having trouble with Skyward? The Skyward and Such Playlist contains quick videos created by teachers that are packed with directions and tips that will help you navigate the electronic resources and systems you will use every day.

Skyward and Such Playlist

Manage Passwords

Time Clock (Kronos)

Teacher Absences - Request a Sub (Aesop/Frontline)

Shortly after you begin employment with MISD, you'll receive 2 emails from Frontline Education (MISD's absence management system). One of these emails is an invitation to create your username and password. The second email includes information on how to utilize the Frontline app and the phone call-in system.

The Frontline Absence Management system will be available to you via the portal 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and can be accessed via internet (website) or phone (app or call-in). Use Frontline to report your own absences and request a substitute. You must report your absences as early as possible.

Web Access:

You will receive a personal invitation email with the subject line: Mesquite ISD invites you to Absence Management. Click "Create a Frontline ID." Enter a username, password, email address, and click "I accept the terms and conditions." The click "Create Frontline ID" and you are in! For more information on creating your Frontline ID click here.

Mobile App Access:

After you have created your Frontline ID, you can download the Frontline Education mobile app. The four digit invitation code is 7354. After entering the invitation code, enter your Frontline ID credentials to sign-in. For more information regarding the mobile app click here.

Phone Dial-in Access:

You can call Frontline toll-free at 1-800-942-3767. Simply follow the voice menu to enter and manage absences. We recommend that you call in to check the computer recording of your name and title.

Note: You are NOT required to create a Frontline ID for dial-in access (you automatically have dial-in access.) However, to access the website, you must create a Frontline ID via your personal invitation email.

**When entering an absence by phone dial-in, please wait until you receive a confirmation number before you terminate the phone call. Your transaction is not complete until you receive a confirmation number.

Click on the following link in order to view directions for how to create an absence and request a substitute teacher by phone or online: Employee Absence Quickstart Guide.

For assistance in using Frontline, login and click on the ? at the top of the page. You'll find videos on getting started and creating an absence as well as answers to other questions you may have.

If you have any questions or concerns about Frontline, please contact Terri Craig, our MISD district contact for the Frontline system. You can email her at tcraig@mesquiteisd.org or call her at 972-882-7599. (Her office hours are 6:30 am-3:00 pm.)

Google Drive (and other file sharing options)

G-Suite (Google Apps): a cloud-based platform for creating, editing, and sharing files. MISD teachers and students all have access to a G-Suite account. As a teacher in Mesquite ISD, you'll have access to Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, Forms, Sites, Classroom, Calendar, G oogle Keep, and Meet. G-Suite is accessed through the Portal on the MISD Employees page. Students access their applications from the Students/Parents page.

Click Here to learn more about Data Backup from the MISD Tech Team

Private Network Folders: All instructional employees and students have a PNF for document storage only; items stored here may not be shared from within the folder. The folder can be accessed from any computer or mobile device in the district. Please do not store movies, music, pictures, or any other large media files in your PNF.

On a PC, this folder is listed as the P: drive.

On a Mac, it is in the Dock next to TeacherShare, labeled with your username.

Employee Self Service (Payroll and Changing Employee Information)

You can access the Employee Self Service site through our MISD Employee Portal. Employee Self Service provides Mesquite ISD employees with access to the following:

Payroll information (check history and much more)
Tax information — access W2 and W4 copies

Through Employee Self Service, Mesquite ISD employees can also:

Change personal address information
Change personal phone number
Add or change emergency contacts
Change W4 information

Click Here to visit the Self Serve Page

Troubleshooting Tech Problems

We know how important it is to have all of your technical equipment working properly. Here are a few tips that will help any repairs go smoothly.

Try Resolving the Issue On Your Own:

Use this website from MISD's Technical Services to troubleshoot and resolve common classroom technology issues, such as how to set up email and how to connect to your classroom devices.

If you still need help, click here to learn how to contact the Help Desk.

Voicemail Access and Set-up

Setting up voicemail is one of the first things to take care of in your new classroom. Chances are, the voicemail on the phone in your classroom still holds the settings of the teacher who previously occupied that room. To change your voicemail settings, follow the steps below.

Contact the Help Desk by email (helpdesk@mesquiteisd.org) or by telephone (dial 7777 from any MISD phone). They will reset your phone's login password and will send you the following instructions.
Press the circular message button on your phone or dial extension 7488 to sign into the voicemail system. Use 1212 as your first time login password; the system will now require to create your own unique password.
To record a new outgoing greeting, from the main voicemail menu press 4, 3, and then 1.
To record or re-record your name, from the main voicemail menu press 4, 3, and then 3 .

Technology

Contacting the Help Desk

Need Help With Your Technology?

If you need to report a new problem or issue to Technical Services please contact the Help Desk by phone at extension 27777 or by submitting a Help Desk support ticket through the MISD Portal. If you need help accessing the online help desk, use this step-by-step tutorial.

Before you contact the Help Desk, please check out our Tech Tips site to see if you can resolve the problem on your own.

If you need assistance resetting your password please click here or visit the "Help, I forgot my password" web page accessible from the MISD Portal login screen. If you are unable to reset or recover your password, please contact the Help Desk to have your account set up for re-enrollment.

Before calling or submitting a ticket to the Help Desk, please make sure you have gathered the following information:

Employee ID:
Employee Name:
Location (Campus\Building):
Room\Office:
Phone extension:
Device Asset Tag (Property of MISD Number):
Detailed Incident Description:

A detailed description is critical in understanding your technical issue. Providing detailed information on first contact will speed up the work order process and help us to serve you better.

Help with Non-Technical Issues

All issues concerning Skyward should be directed to our Skyward Support Team.
All Issues with Employees Self-Service should be directed to Payroll.
All building issues such as HVAC, grounds maintenance, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, carpentry, non-electronic locks(locksmith), roofing, and other building-related items should be directed to Facilities by your front office staff (Secretaries, Principals, Assistant Principals) only.

Feel free to contact the Help Desk if you do not know who to contact regarding your issue. We are here to serve you!

MISD Acceptable Use Policy

MISD Social Media

Technology Coaches

What's in my classroom?

Elementary - Classrooms have a desktop computer, printer, and document camera for teacher use and either a ceiling-mounted projector or a large screen TV.

Middle School - Classrooms have a desktop computer, printer, and document camera for teacher use and either a ceiling-mounted projector or a large screen TV.

High School - High school classrooms have a docking hub on the teacher's desk connecting the printer, document camera, monitor, keyboard, and mouse. Teachers connect their PC laptops to the hub. Each classroom has either a ceiling-mounted projector or a large screen TV.

MESQUITE ISD is a 1-to-1 technology district. All students are issued a mobile device for use at home and school. Pre-K and Kindergarten students use iPads; all other students use Chrome books.

Professional Learning

ETIP

Unique to Mesquite ISD, the ETIP program is the first of its kind created to recruit, retain, differentiate and reward the most talented and dedicated classroom teachers. Faced with a nationwide teacher shortage, MISD developed the ETIP program to develop teachers’ expertise through targeted, specified professional development that adds value to the district. Through ETIP, these master teachers can substantially improve their financial future while staying in the classroom.

For more details about the ETIP program, click here or contact the Professional Learning Department at 972-882-7737.

Teachers are eligible to apply for the ETIP program after two years of employment with Mesquite ISD.

Need to Know in 90 Videos

We have created a video series specifically for our first year teachers. The series is called “Need to Know in 90.”

Each video is approximately 90 seconds long
Content centered around the needs of a first year teacher (Classroom management, Building positive relationships with families and students, Powerful instructional strategies, Technology resources, Organizational tips, etc.)
Teachers and staff from across our district are featured in each of the videos.

The video series can be found at the following link: Need to Know in 90 Playlist

New Teacher Academy

Teachers who are new to the profession will attend on-going support and learning from fellow teachers across our district. Time is given to connect, de-brief, and reflect with other first and second year teachers who are experiencing the same successes and challenges. Classroom environment, classroom management, building relationships, effective instructional strategies, engagement and motivation, and teacher self-care are just a few of the topics that are covered over the course of our 2-year New Teacher Academy.

You will receive more information about the details and requirements of our district New Teacher Academy during the week of New Teacher Camp.

New Teacher Camp

Mark your calendars-MISD New Teacher Camp will be on July 26-29, 2021 (8:00 am-4:00 pm). All new hires are required to attend.

All new hires will attend up to four days of training. Your schedule will depend on your years of experience, assigned grade level, and the content you teach. You will receive your New Teacher Camp schedule when you arrive on the first day of New Teacher Camp (July 26).

Please don't hesitate to reach out to the Professional Learning Office at 972-882-7393 if you have any questions.

Welcome to the MISD family! We look forward to meeting you soon!

MicroLearn App

Gifted/Talented Information (G/T)

Register for MISD Professional Learning (Eduphoria/Strive)

Mesquite ISD provides high quality professional learning in many ways. Occasionally you will be required to attend staff development either on your campus or at another location in the district during your contract hours. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to choose workshops from our Professional Learning Catalog that you would like to attend. These workshops will be held after contract hours either face-to-face or online.

Catalog

To assist you in building your professional knowledge and skills, the Professional Learning department publishes an online catalog of workshops to be offered each semester. The catalog contains a variety of classes for all instructional interests and needs. Employees will receive an email each semester containing a link to the upcoming catalog of classes. You can always find the current catalog posted on our MISD portal (look for the Professional Learning Catalog app).

How to Register (Eduphoria)

The link to register for courses can be found in the Professional Learning catalog under the description of each course. Each course has it's own unique link to register. The link will take you to our Eduphoria (Strive) system to register for the course.

After you have successfully completed the classes you registered for in Eduphoria, you'll be paid $7.50 per hour of class (will be found on your January or June paycheck). In MISD, we refer to this as Pay for Knowledge, or PFK. Classes are a minimum of three hours.

Tips for Success

While the Eduphoria system contains basic course information, you should always read the full course description in the published catalog to make sure the course is appropriate for your needs.
If you learn that you cannot attend a course, use the Eduphoria system to un-enroll from a scheduled class as soon as you learn that you won't be in attendance. This allows someone else to enroll in your place and keeps you from having a no-show designation on your transcript.
Credit for classes is awarded for completion of all course activities and full attendance; partial credit is not given.
Your transcript of completed classes can be found in Eduphoria.

State of Texas Professional Learning Requirements

According the Texas Education Agency, Continuing Professional Education (CPE) is required for all Texas educators holding a standard certificate. If you received a standard certificate in Texas after September 1, 1999, you must renew it every five years. You must earn a minimum number of CPE hours through an approved CPE provider to renew your certificate. Professional learning hours provided or required by MISD may be used towards this state expectation.

Renewal Requirements:

Continuing professional education (CPE) is required to renew a standard certificate. Your certificate will be set to inactive status if you do not renew by the expiration date. CPE hours are required, even if your certificate has already been set to inactive status. Certificates cannot be renewed by completing examinations.

Classroom teachers must complete 150 CPE hours.
- No more than 150 CPE hours are required, even if you hold multiple classroom certificate areas.
If you hold an administrative and/or student services certificate you must complete 200 CPE hours.
- No more than 200 CPE hours are required, even if you hold multiple certificates, such as: classroom, administrative and student services certificates.

You must maintain written documentation of all CPE required activities. Acceptable documentation may be certificates of completion or a professional development transcript. The documentation does not have to be submitted at the time of certificate renewal; however, it must be submitted to TEA in case of a certificate audit.

More Information on Certification Renewal

T-TESS Training and Certification

If you are a new teacher, or a teacher new to the T-TESS appraisal system, you must complete an online T-TESS orientation to familiarize yourself with the state-approved appraisal system adopted by our district.

This required course includes 6 modules. The course will take approximately 4 hours to complete, and an estimate of the time required for each module is indicated on the website. Each module will ask you to answer a question and submit a response. It is important that you use the same email address to complete all six of the modules.

After we have received your responses to all six modules, we will email you a certificate of completion within two weeks. Please share this certificate with your campus appraiser and keep a copy for your records.

Access the course here

In addition, you will need a handout to complete the course activities. This handout is available here. If you have questions, please contact Sharon Atkins at SAtkins@mesquiteisd.org or (972) 882-7393.

Employee Benefits

Health Insurance Enrollment for New Hires (Medical, Life, Dental, Vision, etc.)

All new employees must ENROLL in or DECLINE the Mesquite ISD health insurance.

You must complete benefits/insurance enrollment within 31 days of your hire date*. If you fail to do so, you will have no coverage.

*hire date = first work day (not the day you signed your contract)
Start counting 31 days from date of hire = first work day (not the day you signed your contract)

If you are hired in June or July:

ALL New Hires MUST come to the benefits office within 31 days of hire date to sign up or decline all insurance. We are paper enrollment only for June and July new hires. Please call 972-882-7359 or email benefits at benefits@mesquiteisd.org to set up an appointment.

If your Start Date is in or after August:

Benefits enrollment for new hires is online using the benefit portal.

Online Benefit Portal

For more information visit the Benefits website or call the Benefits Office at 972-882-7359.

Leave Days

State Personal Days (5 days that accumulate):

Personal Leave State law entitles all employees to five days of paid personal leave per year. Personal leave is available for use at the beginning of the year. A day of personal leave is equivalent to the number of hours per day in an employee’s usual assignment, whether full-time or part-time. State personal leave accumulates without limit, is transferable to other Texas school districts, and generally transfers to education service centers. Personal leave may be used for two general purposes: non-discretionary and discretionary.

Non-discretionary: Leave taken for personal or family illness, family emergency, a death in the family, or active military service is considered non-discretionary leave. Reasons for this type of leave allow very little, if any, advance planning. Non-discretionary may be used in the same manner as state sick leave.

Discretionary: Leave taken at an employee’s discretion that can be scheduled in advance is considered discretionary leave. An employee wishing to take discretionary personal leave must submit a written request to his or her principal or supervisor at least five days in advance of the anticipated absence. Requests for discretionary leave shall be considered in the order in which they are received. The effect of the employee’s absence on the educational program or department operations, as well as the availability of substitutes, will be considered by the principal or supervisor. Discretionary use of leave shall not be allowed on the first or last instructional day, the day before a school holiday, the day after a school holiday, days scheduled for end-of-semester or end-of-year examinations, days scheduled for state-mandated assessments, or professional or staff development days (these days are called Blackout Days). Any discretionary use of leave on these days shall result in deduction from the employee’s pay commensurate with the amount of leave taken. Discretionary use of state personal leave shall not exceed five consecutive workdays.

Local Personal Days (3 days that accumulate):

Professional employees shall earn three paid local personal leave days per school year. Local personal days will be cumulative. These days shall be used according to the terms and conditions of state personal leave.

Tenure Days:

After all available state and local leave days have been exhausted, a full-time employee shall be granted in a school year a number of days of tenure leave based on years of service, in accordance with administrative regulations. The use of tenure leave need not be in consecutive workdays. Tenure leave may be requested for the employee’s personal illness or injury (including pregnancy related), or for absences related to the illness or injury of the employee’s immediate family if the employee provides medical certification of the need for leave to care for the family member. With appropriate documentation, an employee may also use tenure leave within the first year after a child’s birth, adoption, or foster placement. The average daily rate of a substitute (or a proportionate amount established by personnel classification) shall be deducted for each day of tenure leave taken, whether or not a substitute is employed. Must be requested by the employee using an Eduphoria leave request.

Sick Leave Bank (or Pool)-OPTIONAL:

The Mesquite Education Association (MEA) maintains and governs a sick leave bank that employees may join through contribution of local personal leave. Leave contributed to the bank shall be solely for the use of participating employees. A member may request leave from the bank if the employee experiences a catastrophic illness or injury and has exhausted all paid leave. An employee is required to contribute a local personal day in order to join the sick leave bank.

Personal Computer Buy Program

Each fall, employees have the opportunity purchase a PC or Mac computer from the district’s vendors at the district's cost. Payment may be made monthly over a two-year period through payroll deduction. No interest is charged. Employees with one year or more of employment are eligible for this benefit.

All employees will receive an email containing eligibility, pricing, and ordering information in October.

Employee Assistance Program (Counseling Services)

Mesquite ISD offers an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provided through Aetna Resources for Living (formerly MHNet).

Services are available at no cost to all Mesquite ISD employees and their dependents. Enrollment in the Mesquite ISD health insurance program is not required to use the EAP.

All services are confidential and available 24 hours a day/7 days a week. Information shared with EAP professionals is protected under confidentiality laws and cannot be shared with your employer without your consent.

Face-to-face counseling as well as online services and information are available.

The EAP can help with the following types of issues:

marital and family
parenting
alcohol and drug problems
aging parents and elder care
relationships
anxiety and depression
legal and financial problems
stress management
and more

To contact the EAP by phone, call 1(800) 492-4357.

To access online services, go to www.mylifevalues.com.

Username is Mesquite ISD
Password is 8004924357

For more information, contact the Benefits Office at 972-882-7359.

Mesquite Employee Health Center (MEHC)-Clinic and Pharmacy

This unique partnership between the City of Mesquite and Mesquite ISD is an innovative approach to controlling the cost of health care. It is a tremendous benefit and convenience to employees and dependents who participate in the respective health plans. (Patients must carry MISD insurance to participate. MEHC services are not available to retirees/dependents on TRS Care or Scott & White HMO plan participants.)

The Mesquite Employee Health Center offers quality medical health care to all MISD health plan participants (covered employees and covered dependents enrolled in the MISD health plan) for acute illnesses and chronic disease processes at a very affordable price. Insurance card and photo ID must be presented at time of service.