Who can apply
Any BVTU member is welcome to apply. Priority is given to:
- Teachers in their first five years of teaching
- Experienced teachers in a significantly different position for the first or second year
- Any member who self-identifies as benefiting from mentorship or collaboration
What's covered
- Release time to observe a colleague's classroom practice
- Collaboration with a colleague on teaching and learning
- Voluntary peer mentorship — in person or virtual
- Not covered: materials, consumables, or technology
At a Glance
- $40,000 fund held by BVTU
- Open to K–12, district & itinerant staff, and TTOCs
- Up to 3 release days per member per year
- TTOC costs covered for contract teachers; TTOCs reimbursed at their daily rate
- Once approved, book your absence in Atrieve as "Other BVTU business"
Apply Now
Frequently Asked Questions
The process is flexible and up to you. Find a teacher you'd like to collaborate with, have a conversation, and determine if you're both interested in working together on the grant.
No problem. Simply fill out the application form and include details about your needs and areas of focus. The BVTU is available to assist in connecting you with a suitable collaboration partner.
Yes — you can collaborate with a retired teacher as long as they hold an active teaching certificate.
No. Only one application is needed. The lead teacher (the one initiating the collaboration) submits the form and includes the other teacher as a collaborator.
The BVTU reviews all submissions at the Executive Meeting. You'll be notified by email once a decision has been made.
Yes. Each year you are eligible for up to 3 days of release time. Teachers who have not yet accessed the fund will be given priority.
The 3 collaboration days are flexible and can be scheduled based on both teachers' availability.
The collaboration should focus on enhancing teaching practices, improving student learning outcomes, or developing new instructional strategies. Both teachers should actively participate and work toward any agreed-upon goals.
The grant covers the cost of release time only (up to 3 days). Funding for materials, resources, or technology is not included.
Yes. Virtual or remote collaborations are allowed. As long as you and your partner are working together to achieve the project goals, the format — in-person or virtual — can be flexible.
Yes. You can still apply for the collaboration grant even if you have other funding. The grant is specifically for teacher collaboration and mentorship, so there's no conflict with other funding sources.
After completing your collaboration, you'll be asked to submit a brief summary outlining the outcomes, insights gained, and impact on your teaching. Details will be provided by the BVTU upon completion.
Reach out to the BVTU directly — we're happy to help. Use the contact form or speak to the local president.
Contact BVTU →
Contact BVTU →