First Nations, Métis and Inuit Languages Teacher Bursary

Important dates

Overview

The First Nations, Métis and Inuit Languages Teacher Bursary helps:

• kindergarten to Grade 12 language teachers, instructors or Elders improve their language proficiency, teaching skills and knowledge of a First Nations, Métis or Inuit language through an accredited education experience
• kindergarten to Grade 12 school authorities enhance their language teaching capacity and ability to support students in revitalizing the language and culture of First Nations, Métis and Inuit

Funding

There are up to 3 bursaries of up to $4,200 each for kindergarten to Grade 12 Alberta teachers, instructors, or Elders to take an accredited post-secondary course in a First Nations, Métis or Inuit language or teaching method.

Before receiving the bursary, recipients must submit:

• course completion documentation
• receipts for eligible travel and accommodation costs

Contact Teacher Qualifications Service at the Alberta Teachers' Association to learn more about language course salary qualifications and assessment.

Eligibility

Applicant eligibility

You must:

• be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or protected person (visa students are not eligible)
• be an Alberta resident by meeting one of these conditions:
  • you have lived in Alberta for 12 consecutive months immediately prior to starting post-secondary studies, or
  • Your spouse or partner is an Alberta resident immediately prior to starting post-secondary studies
• demonstrate a background in First Nations, Métis or Inuit language learning and culture, or have recently started studying such a language
• plan to take an accredited post-secondary course in a First Nations, Métis or Inuit language or language teaching method

Priority will be given to first time applicants. Applicants can re-apply if it has been 5 years since they received a previous bursary

Preference will be given to applicants working with language programming in the upcoming school year.

Program eligibility

The language development program must:

• be an accredited post-secondary credit course focusing on language, culture or instructional development
• be at least 3 weeks long
• occur any time from May to March of any school year

Courses should include additional scheduled, structured activities, such as:

• language conversation
• tutorials
• cultural activities

The bursary will be used to cover firstly tuition, secondly travel, and thirdly accommodations.

How to apply

Step 1. Download and fill out the application form

• First Nations, Métis and Inuit  Languages Teacher Bursary

Step 2. Prepare a statement of intent

This statement should explain your reasons for taking the program and be no longer than one page.

Include how:

• this program will benefit your role as a kindergarten to Grade 12 First Nations, Métis or Inuit language teacher, instructor, or Elder in Alberta and fit into your professional development or growth plan
• the bursary will impact your role in the First Nations, Métis or Inuit  languages program and contribute to language learning and revitalization in your community

Step 3. Get an endorsement

The School Authority Endorsement section in the application needs to be completed by your:

• current or former school principal, or
• school authority

Step 4. Complete the application package

Your application package must include:

• a completed and signed application form
• signed School Authority Endorsement Form (page 1 and 2)
• a statement of intent
• a syllabus or brochure that describes the course:
  • focus
  • duration
  • intensity

Step 5. Submit the application package

Email your application package to [email protected] by June 15, 2024.

After you apply

Alberta Education will choose recipients representing a variety of grades and languages based on the:

• applicant’s statement of intent
• program chosen
• school authority endorsement

If selected as a recipient, you must submit proof you completed the course indicated in your application to get the bursary. If you change courses after being selected, you will not get bursary funding.

Recipients will get a T4A from Alberta Education if the total value of the First Nations, Métis and Inuit Languages Teacher Bursary is more than $500. This amount must be declared in Box 105 on your tax return.

The application period is closed.

Contact

Connect with the Alberta Education Languages Teacher Bursary Program:

Hours: 8:15 am to 4:30 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
Phone: 780-415-6166
Toll free: 310-0000 before the phone number (in Alberta)
Email: [email protected]