Indigenous Languages Teacher Bursary

Important dates

Overview

The Indigenous Languages Teacher Bursary helps:

• Indigenous language instructors improve their language proficiency, teaching skills and knowledge through a post-secondary education experience
• Alberta jurisdictions enhance their language teaching capacity and ability to support Indigenous students in revitalizing their language and culture

Funding

There are 5 bursaries up to $5,000 each for Alberta teachers, Elders or instructors to take an accredited post-secondary course in an Indigenous language or an Indigenous teaching method. Funding may cover course tuition, travel and accommodation expenses.

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 qualification 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:
  • one of your parents or legal guardians has maintained permanent residence in Canada for at least 12 consecutive months immediately prior to you starting post-secondary studies and residing in Alberta, or
  • Alberta is the last place you lived for 12 consecutive months immediately prior to starting post-secondary studies, or
  • you are married to an Alberta resident immediately prior to starting post-secondary studies
• have at least one year of experience teaching an Indigenous language in Alberta
• demonstrate a background in Indigenous language learning and culture, or have recently started studying an Indigenous language
• plan to take an accredited post-secondary course in an Indigenous language or an Indigenous language teaching method

Priority will be given to first time applicants. Applicants who received a bursary 5 years ago or earlier can re-apply.

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
• start by September 1, 2020 and end no later than August 31, 2021

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

• language conversation
• tutorials
• cultural activities

How to apply

Step 1. Download and fill out the application form

• Indigenous 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 an Indigenous language instructor in Alberta and fit into your professional development or growth plan
• the bursary will impact your role in the Indigenous languages program and contribute to Indigenous language 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].

After you apply

A selection committee will choose recipients representing a variety of grade levels 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 Indigenous Languages Teacher Bursary is more than $500. This amount must be declared in Box 105 on your tax return.

Deadlines

Application packages must be submitted by Tuesday, May 18, 2021.

Contact

Connect with the Alberta Education Indigenous Languages Teacher Bursary Program:

Hours: 8:15 am to 4:30 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
Phone: 780-644-5274
Toll free: 310-0000 before the phone number (in Alberta)
Email: [email protected]