Collaboration Grant
Background: As part of the 2019-2022 provincial collective bargaining process, a fund was established to provide a collaboration fund to local unions. This fund and opportunity is distinct from anything that SD54 might be providing to new teachers. This collaboration opportunity is completely voluntary.
Purpose: The intent is to provide collaboration, mentorship, and support to:
- Teachers in the first five years of the teaching career
- Experienced teachers in their first/second year in a significantly different position
- Teachers who do not fit into either of those categories but who self-identify as candidates
The BVTU holds $40,000 to be used under the following guidelines:
- Available to all BVTU members in the following positions: K-12, district and itinerant staff and TTOCs
- Funds only be used for TTOC release, either to release contract teachers or, in the case of TTOC applicants, to pay their TTOC daily rate.
- The funds are not to be used to purchase consumables, resources or technology
- That the BVTU Mentorship Sub-Committee accept and review applications on a rolling, monthly basis:
- that the committee prioritize broad availability of the fund (i.e. more members with fewer days) if possible
- that an annual limit be 3 teacher release days
- that any member who self-identifies be accepted, with priority given to early career teachers or teachers who have recently begun a different position
- That the following projects be supported:
- Release to observe another teacher’s practice
- Collaboration with another teacher
- Voluntary peer mentorship arrangements
- Once approved, members will book absences using the “Other BVTU business” option in Atrieve and these release days be charged to the District Pro-D account set up for this purpose
Application Process:
- Teacher completes the BVTU Collaboration application form.
- Applications will be reviewed and approved at the monthly BVTU Executive Meeting (usually first week of every month).
- Once you receive your approval, you will be responsible for booking release time through Atrieve using the "Other BVTU business" code.
- If the approved/successful applicant has self-identified the mentor (and the mentor agrees), then the applicant will proceed as planned.
- If the approved/successful applicant has requested support in choosing a mentor, this will occur with the support of colleagues and or the local president. Then the applicant will proceed as planned.
- Upon completion of mentorship days, the teacher applicant will fill out a short reflection form.