CALL FOR PROPOSALS. First Nations Language Teacher Mentor Apprentice Program

Transcription

1 CALL FOR PROPOSALS First Nations Language Teacher Mentor Apprentice Program August 2016 First Nations Education Steering Committee Suite Park Royal South West Vancouver, BC V7T 1A

2 1. Introduction The First Nations Education Steering Committee (FNESC) is pleased to support First Nations language teachers in building their First Nations language proficiency. Through this program FNESC will support First Nations language learning through Mentor Apprentice grants to First Nations language teachers. Up to twelve (12) grants of approximately $14,500 will be awarded to successful applicants. The allocation of these grants will be determined by the thoroughness of the proposals submitted based on the stated criteria, with consideration of language family representation. Through both research and engagement with First Nations communities, FNESC and our First Nations Languages Subcommittee (FNLS) have identified the need to support First Nations language teachers in building their language fluency. This effort will also contribute to the succession planning of schools and communities, as our language champions and fluent speakers transition into retirement. The central goal of this program is to utilize a successful language learning program to increase the fluency of First Nations language teachers in the language which they are (or will be) teaching. This approach will support both First Nations language revitalization and languages education, as the apprentice language learner will have an impact within their community and family and also become a more effective language teacher, able to bring a more immersive experience to their students. The Mentor Apprentice Program (MAP) supports one on one teams of a language mentor and apprentice to complete 300 hours of language immersion work together over a oneyear period. A mentor (a fluent or highly proficient speaker of a language) is paired with an apprentice (learner). The mentor and apprentice spend 300 hours per year together doing everyday activities using the language at all times. In this program, learners become more fluent, which is especially valuable for languages where only a small number of fluent speakers are left. 1 This funding program builds on the work of the First Peoples Cultural Council (FPCC). The Mentor Apprentice Program (MAP) has proven to be an effective method of increasing the number of speakers of the First Nations languages of British Columbia (BC). Much of the program guidelines and templates have been adapted from FPCC materials. 1 Program description from fpcc.ca First Nations Language Teacher Mentor Apprentice Program Page 2 of 13

3 2. Objectives The initiative has the following objectives: To increase the number of speakers of BC First Nations languages; To support BC First Nations language revitalization; To enhance the quality of instruction and learning within First Nations language education programs: To support First Nations language education programs of all types to become more immersive; To increase the First Nations language fluency levels of First Nations language teachers; and, To assist schools and communities in succession planning for First Nations language teachers. 3. Eligibility Teachers of BC First Nations languages who are First Nations members of BC First Nations communities are eligible to apply for a First Nations Language Teacher Mentor Apprentice grant. Consideration will also be given to individuals who are training to become First Nations language teachers. Eligibility criteria: must be actively teaching or training to teach a BC First Nations language to learners throughout the spectrum of lifelong learning (early childhood, K 12, adult); eligibility is not restricted to those individuals teaching in formal education institutions, but is also open to those who teach languages in community programs. 4. Proposal Criteria Each eligible applicant may apply for a Mentor Apprentice grant of $14,500 to support the prescribed Mentor Apprentice Program expenses. Applications will be assessed based on how effectively they address the objectives of this program and the thoroughness of the proposal. It will be crucial for applicants to display a clear plan for carrying out the language learning and to express their passion and commitment to First Nations language revitalization and education. Key proposal assessment criteria: All required proposal elements are submitted and correctly completed; There is a clear and well explained plan for the execution of the language learning activities; First Nations Language Teacher Mentor Apprentice Program Page 3 of 13

4 Both the Mentor and the Apprentice display their commitment to the program and passion for First Nations language revitalization; There is demonstrated community support for the Mentor Apprentice team as shown through letters of support and/or contributions to the program. Language family distribution will be a factor in allocating funding. For the purposes of this program, applicants will be required to identify the name of their First Nations language, and the adjudication committee will consider language family distribution in making their funding decisions. An effort will be made to support the most endangered BC First Nations languages. Overall proposal quality and the confidence of the adjudication committee in the MAP teams to complete the work will be the primary factor in making funding decisions, but language vitality and language family distribution will also be considered Review and Approval Process Proposals to the First Nations Language Teacher Mentor Apprentice Program will be reviewed by a Committee constituted for that purpose. This committee will review proposals based on the objectives of the program and the criteria described above. Only complete proposals submitted before the deadline will be reviewed. Meeting the criteria does not guarantee funding from the First Nations Language Teacher Mentor Apprentice Program. A proposal template is available at FNESC will review and approve proposals and a written response will be sent to applicants to confirm all funding decisions. 6. Grant Application Who Can Apply: BC First Nations language teachers Grant Amount: approximately $14,500 Grants Available: up to 12 Application Method: Submission of the completed FNESC application, required forms and letters via or fax Application Deadline: September 23, 2016 by 4:00 pm Late proposals will not be considered. 2 In determining the language family of an applicant and language vitality, the adjudication committee will refer to the First People s language map and First Peoples Status Report (2014) First Nations Language Teacher Mentor Apprentice Program Page 4 of 13

5 7. Funding Process Deadline for proposal submission: September 23, 2016 by 4:00pm Funding decision notifications: October 2016 Submission of interim report: January 2017 Submission of final report: July Submission of Proposals Please submit your proposal to: First Nations Education Steering Committee Park Royal South West Vancouver, BC V7T 1A2 Fax: Reporting Requirements Interim and final reports will be required for all funded projects at dates to be determined. Funding will be released upon approval of reports. It is also expected that MAP teams will maintain regular contact with MAP team support. Reporting templates and timelines will be provided to successful applicants. 10. Contact Information If you have any questions, feel free to contact Jesse Fairley, Manager, Languages and Culture at or call toll free: , c: Budget The purpose of the funding program is to pay for the time of the mentor and apprentice spent in an immersion setting. The stipulated budget below describes how grant funding is to be expended. All other expenses unrelated to those mentioned below are ineligible and will not be funded. Mentor stipends (300 hours at $25/hr) $7,500 Apprentice stipends (300 hours at $20/hr) $6,000 Evaluation panel honoraria (3 panel members x $100 per evaluation) $900 Materials, supplies and expenses $100 TOTAL $14, First Nations Language Teacher Mentor Apprentice Program Page 5 of 13

6 First Nations Language Teacher Mentor Apprentice Program Application Forms First Nations Language Teacher Mentor Apprentice Program Page 6 of 13

7 FIRST NATIONS LANGUAGE TEACHER MENTOR APPRENTICE PROGRAM Proposal Application Checklist Application form is correctly completed Proposal forms are completed Work Plan for 300 hours of immersion work First Nations language teacher survey Required letters are submitted Mentor letter Apprentice letter A letter of support on First Nations community letterhead signed by an authorized representative demonstrating community support for the proposal* Proposal and supporting documentation submitted to FNESC by deadline date of September 23, 2016 by 4:00 pm LATE PROPOSALS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED PROPOSAL FAXED TO FNESC: or PROPOSAL ED TO: reception@fnesc.ca All forms and letters are submitted at the same time * In addition to the required letters listed above, applicants are encouraged to submit additional letters of support from Language Authorities, schools, school systems or other educators which detail their support for the Mentor Apprentice Team and vouch for the commitment of the Mentor Apprentice Team First Nations Language Teacher Mentor Apprentice Program Page 7 of 13

8 First Nations Language Teacher Mentor Apprentice Program Proposal Application Form 1. Mentor Apprentice Team Information: Apprentice Name: Mentor Name: *will be the primary contact Apprentice Mailing Address: Mentor Mailing Address: City: City: Postal Code: Postal Code: Phone number: Phone number: *Both Mentor and Apprentice are required to submit a commitment letter described below 2. Which BC First Nations language will you be learning/teaching? 3. Mentor Apprentice Panel members: Please identify the three members of your Mentor Apprentice Panel they should all be fluent speakers/experts in your First Nations language. Panel Member 1: Panel Member 2: Panel Member 3: First Nations Language Teacher Mentor Apprentice Program Page 8 of 13

9 4. Required documents Part 1 Letters Each apprentice is required to submit a letter which: describes their role as a First Nations language teacher in their community; describes their need to build their First Nations language fluency, and how it will enhance their First Nations language teaching; demonstrates their commitment to language revitalization and to the completion of a successful mentor apprentice program; and explains why their Mentor Apprentice Team will be able to work together successfully over a full year. Each mentor is require to submit a letter which: describes their experience and knowledge of their First Nations language; demonstrates their commitment to language revitalization and to the completion of a successful mentor apprentice program; and explains why their Mentor Apprentice Team will be able to work together successfully over a full year. A letter of support from an authorized community representative on First Nations community letterhead is required which: recognizes the apprentice as a teacher of a BC First Nations language and the mentor as a speaker of that language with high proficiency; and expresses support for the Mentor Apprentice Team and their efforts; *The inclusion of additional letters of support is encouraged Part 2: Forms Mentor Apprentice Teams are required to complete all of the forms listed below: Application forms First Nations Language Teacher Survey (to be completed by apprentice by mentor only if they are actively teaching the language as well) Work Plan for 300 hours of immersion work First Nations Language Teacher Mentor Apprentice Program Page 9 of 13

10 First Nations Language Teacher Survey Part 1: Personal Information: Name: I give my permission for my address to be added to a mailing list for FNESC Language Program Announcements: Yes: No: Part 2: Current Language Teaching Position: Location of teaching position held Age levels taught (Check all that apply) Fluency levels taught (Check all that Early childhood K 12 Adult apply) Beginner Basic Intermediate Advanced Average instruction time per week, per student (minutes) Is this position full time or part time: Part 3: Education and Training What kinds of formal education and training have you undertaken in your career? Please check all that apply. Type of training Check Name of credential obtained Professional development courses Summer institutes Post secondary undergraduate degree (4 years) Post secondary graduate degree/certificate Post secondary diploma program (typically 2 years) Post secondary certificate program (typically 3 years) Post secondary education degree/certificate Other Part 4: First Nations Language Fluency Level Please check the box that best describes your level of fluency in the First Nations language which you teach. Beginner I am just starting to learn the language and can understand a few words and phrases Basic I can understand most conversation but my speaking skills are still developing Intermediate I can understand most conversation and am able to participate in most conversations with minimal assistance Advanced I understand and participate in nearly all conversations Fluent/Expert I can comfortably and confidently conduct all conversations and activities completely in the language First Nations Language Teacher Mentor Apprentice Program Page 10 of 13

11 Part 5: Certification level This section is for teachers who work in the BC kindergarten to grade 12 system. Please check the box that describes your level of certification. Professional certificate non expiring certificate certified to teach all subjects and grade levels Developmental Standard Term Certificate expiring certificate (5 8 years) certified to teach language and culture only First Nations Language Certificate non expiring proved my fluency through my language authority and certified to teach language and culture only Letter of Permission expiring certificate (1 year) certified to teach language and culture in one school for one year, have to reapply every year Independent School Certificate Teaching certificate from another province None of the above Part 6: Professional Development Priorities: What are some key areas of professional learning and development that you would like to undertake? First Nations Language Teacher Mentor Apprentice Program Page 11 of 13

12 First Nations Education Steering Committee Mentor Apprentice Program Work Plan Complete this section, describing your language learning goals and planned activities for every language learning segment (30 50 hours). Please use additional pages if needed. Language topic: List the subject or topic of this language learning segment (eg. greetings, hunting, travelling) Language learning: Identify the language will you learn during this segment i.e. words, phrases, language skills etc. Work Plan: List the activities that you will do together to accomplish your language learning goals. Hours: List the number of hours you will spend on each activity Date: Identify when each activity will be completed First Nations Language Teacher Mentor Apprentice Program Page 12 of 13

13 First Nations Education Steering Committee Work Plan Template (continued) Language topic: List the Language learning: Identify the subject or topic of this language will you learn during this language learning segment (eg. segment i.e. words, phrases, greetings, hunting, travelling) language skills etc. Work Plan: List the activities that you will do together to accomplish your language learning goals First Nations Language Teacher Mentor Apprentice Program Page 13 of 13 Hours: List the number of hours you will spend on each activity Date: Identify when each activity will be completed