Funding Options for Teachers

Sources of FundingNova Scotia Teachers Union

Provincial Funding

Article 60 Funding Professional Development Fund Committee (Local)

Nova Scotia Teachers Union Provincial OpportunitiesTravel FellowshipOut-of-Province Conference GrantFull Time Study GrantEducation Research AwardProject Development Assistance Fund (PDAF)Project OverseasSheonoroil FoundationJohn Huntley Memorial Internship

Travel FellowshipA fund of $3000 sponsored by Johnson Inc.To provide teachers, faculty and professional

staff with the opportunity to undertake programs of travel during the summer or vacation time to benefit their teaching.

Maximum of $475.00 per grantAvailable to active NSTU membersChosen by random draw

Out-of-Province Conference Grants$9000 annuallyUsed to support teachers wishing to attend

conferences for the purpose of professional development

Maximum of $475 per grantAvailable to active membersOnly for conferences held between

September 1 and June 30Vetted on a four category rubric by the

provincial PD committee

Full-Time Study Grants$10 000 budgeted annuallyDesigned to support teachers wishing to

follow a full time program of studies for professional development.

5 grants of $2000 per yearAvailable to active NSTU membersVetted on a four category rubric by the

provincial PD committee

Educational Research Awards$3500 budgeted annuallyTo encourage and assist education researchMaximum of $475 per grantAvailable to active NSTU membersVetted on a three category rubric by the PB

committee

Project Development Assistance FundEstablished in the Teacher’s Provincial

AgreementAnnual sum of $200 000To encourage innovative and unique program

development in Nova Scotia schools, directly related to the Public School Program.

Vetted on a seven category rubric by the PDAF Committee

Project OverseasSponsored by Canadian Teachers’ Federation

and its membersTo give professional assistance to teachers in

developing countriesApplications are vetted on a six category

rubric by the NSTU

Sheonoroil FoundationThe Sheonoroil Foundation funds school and

campus based projects and research directed at reducing violence in schools and community college campuses.

Funds projects upwards to and sometimes over $2000.

Vetted on a five category rubric by a committee of the Sheonoroil Board

The John Huntley Memorial InternshipNamed after a strong union supporter, John

Huntley2 day internship with the NSTU staff officers at

the Halifax office5 internship opportunities per yearDesigned to give applicants a better

understanding of the inner workings and personnel who work at the NSTU building in Halifax

Deadline for applications: See member diary 2010-2011

ApplicationsApplications, descriptions and details for any

of the Provincial NSTU Grants can be found online:Log into your NSTU account on the NSTU

homepage www.nstu.caUnder Professional Development the menus

will direct you to the opportunities, grants and awards.

Professional Development Fund Committee (PDFC)6 members

3 School Board Representatives 3 Union Representatives

Mandate: To offer financial assistance for teachers as they pursue professional development opportunities to further enhance their skills and understanding in the ever changing world of education.

Operating Budget 2010-2011 $800,000

Local Grants Available (through PDFC)Educational Leave – 1 Year Educational Leave – Less than 1 YearSpecial Study GrantIn-Province Conference GrantOut-of-Province Conference GrantPeer VisitationIn-service and Workshop GrantsCredit CoursesProfessional Association (October Conference)

Grant

Educational Leave – 1 Year$208 000 budgeted annuallyMaximum of 3 Educational Leaves may be

granted in any given yearApplicants must meet the following criteria:

3 consecutive years of service with the board prior to the leave (as a permanent teacher)

Acceptance into a full time program of studies at a recognized institution

Deadline for applications: February 15, 2011

Educational Leave – Less than 1 YearTo provide teachers the opportunity for study

and/or conduct research$45,000 budgeted annuallyDesigned to cover substitute costs onlyMinimum 1 month to maximum 6 monthsDeadline for applications: Minimum 1 month

prior to proposed start of leave

Special Study Leave$20,000 budgeted annuallyMinimum of 5 consecutive school days to a

maximum of 20. These days must be used during the 195 teaching days allotted, use during summer is not permitted.

Maximum of $5000 per grant which includes substitute costs

Applicants are eligible for 1 grant every 5 yearsDeadline for applications: Minimum 1 month

prior to proposed start of leave

In-Province Conference Grant$190,000 budgeted annually to cover ALL conference

grants (both in and out-of province)Max 3 substitute days (to cover ALL conference

grants)Available to permanent, probationary and term

teachersDesigned to assist teachers who choose to attend

workshops, conferences and in-services for the purpose of professional development

Funding Levels (for 2010-2011): Regional (within confines of CBVRSB) 50% - Max. $600 (10%

attendance per school/complex) In-province (outside of CBVRSB) 75% - Max $600

Deadline: Monthly PDFC meeting ONE month prior to proposed conference

Out-of-Province Conference Grant$190,000 budgeted annually to cover ALL conference

grants (both in and out-of province)Max 3 substitute days (to cover ALL conference grants)Available to permanent, probationary and term

teachersDesigned to assist teachers who choose to attend

workshops, conferences and in-services for the purpose of professional development

Funding Levels (2010-2011): 75% - Max $900 ( 2 teachers per school/5 per board per single

conference)

Deadline: Monthly PDFC meeting ONE month prior to proposed conference

Peer Visitation$15,000 budgeted annuallyTo allow teachers the opportunity to access

time to network with and observe peers in the classroom setting for the purposes of professional development.

Maximum 3 days per fiscal yearTeachers must have signed consent from all

schools involvedDeadline: Monthly PDFC meeting ONE

month prior to proposed visitation days

In-service & Workshop Grants$1,000 budgeted annuallyTo assist teachers and schools that seek to

organize in-services and workshop seminars for teachers.

Maximum of $500 per grant Grants can be used to cover:

Nutrition breaks ($2 per NSTU member) Arrangement costs Presenter accommodations and meals

Credit Courses$140 000 budgeted annuallyAvailable to permanent and probationary

teachersDeadline October 15, 2010 4:00pmApplication Process:

Binders are located at Central Office, Northside Staff Development Centre and Cabot High

Transcripts must be placed in these binders highlighting courses completed during the last year (September 1, 2009-August 31, 2010)

Funds are pro-rated and will be disbursed by December 20, 2010

Professional Association (October Conference) Grant$140 000 budgeted annuallyAvailable to permanent, probationary and term

teachers (substitute teachers, please refer to Article 32.09)

No application is required prior to attending.Deadline: November 15, 2010Funding formula: the percentage of

reimbursement is derived from the fund total ($140,000.00 for 10-11) divided by the total amount of receipts received. Example: $140,000.00 (fund value) by $280,000.00 (submitted receipts) = .5 = 50% reimbursement.

The Application ProcessPRIOR TO MONTHLY PDFC MEETING THAT

OCCURS ONE MONTH PRIOR TO THE PROPOSED ACTIVITY...

Step 1: Request to be absent from teaching duties Submitted to Debbie McIssac, Co-ordinator Human

Resources

Step 2: Application Form Submitted to PDFC

Submit Steps 1 and 2 together to PDFC at Central Office via fax, inter-school mail or in person.

Important things to remember...Approval has not been made until you receive a

blue numbered form with an attached letter from the PDFC.

Applications that are made AFTER the teacher has already attended the activity will not be accepted.

Deadlines are important.Substitutes cannot be used for travel time.It is important to return your blue numbered

approval form with appropriate receipts within 7 days of returning from your conference to insure payment.

Should you NOT attend your career development opportunity, the blue numbered form must still be returned to the PDFC marked did not attend.

Questions?