2017-2018

CALL FOR PROPOSALS

First Nations Language Teacher

Mentor-Apprentice

Program

May 2017

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 fifteen (15) 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. Program participants and mentors must display a clear understanding of the principles of the mentor apprentice program and the commitment required to successfully complete the program.

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 including a language mentor and apprentice to complete 300 hours of language immersion work together over a one-year 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 for which only a small number of fluent speakers are left.[1] We encourage applicants new to the approach to conduct some research about the program, so that they fully understand the approach and the commitment required.

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.

2.Objectives

The primary objective of the initiative is to increase the First Nations language fluency levels of First Nations language teachers. Some additional objectives are:\

  • 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 assist schools and communities in succession planning for First Nations language teachers.

3.Eligibility

Teachers of BC First Nations languages who areFirst Nations members of a BC First Nations community are eligible to apply for a 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 (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 in community programs.

4.Proposal Criteria

Each eligible applicant may apply for a Mentor-Apprentice grant of $14,500 to support the prescribedMAP expenses. Applications will be assessed based on how effectively they address the objectives of this program and the thoroughness of the proposal.

Key proposal assessment criteria:

  • All required proposal elements are submitted and correctly completed;
  • Both the Mentor and the Apprentice display their knowledge about the mentor apprentice language learning method;
  • 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.
  • The team has a sound plan to ensure they have enough time available to complete 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.

Priority will be placed on supporting 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.[2]

5.Review and Approval Process

Proposals 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 MAP. 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 15

Application Method:Submission of the completed FNESC application, required forms and letters via email or fax

Application Deadline:June 23, 2017 by 4:00 pm

Late proposals will not be considered.

7.Funding Process

  • Deadline for proposal submission: June 23, 2017 by 4:00pm
  • Funding decision notifications: July 2017
  • Program term:July 2017 to June 2018
  1. Submission of Proposals

Please submit your proposal to:

First Nations Education Steering Committee

113 –100 Park Royal South West Vancouver, BC V7T 1A2

Fax: 604-925–6097

Email:

9.Reporting Requirements

MAP teams are required to provide written reports following each 50 hours of language learning time. Teams are also required to maintain regular contact with the MAP Coach. Funding will be released upon approval of reports. 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: 1-877-422-3672.

11.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 / $14,500

2017–2018

First Nations Language Teacher Mentor-Apprentice Program

Application Forms

2017-2018

FIRST NATIONS LANGUAGE TEACHER MENTOR-APPRENTICE PROGRAM

______

Proposal Application Checklist

Application form is correctly completed

Proposal forms are completed

First Nations language teacher survey

Draft 300 hour work plan

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 FNESCby deadline date of June 23, 2017 by 4:00 pm – LATE PROPOSALS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED

PROPOSAL FAXED TO FNESC: 604-925-6097 or PROPOSAL EMAILED TO:

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 Team

First Nations Language TeacherMentor-Apprentice Program

2017–2018

Proposal Application Form

  1. Mentor-Apprentice Team Information:

Apprentice Name:
*will be the primary contact / Mentor Name:
Apprentice Mailing Address: / Mentor Mailing Address:
City: / City:
Postal Code: / Postal Code:
Phone number: / Phone number:
Email: / Email:

*Both Mentor and Apprentice are required to submit a commitment letter –described below

  1. Which BC First Nations language will you be learning/teaching?

______

  1. Mentor-Apprentice Panel members:

Please identify the three members of your Mentor-Apprentice Panel – they should all be proficient speakers/experts in your First Nations language. The role of the panel is to provide the MAP team with feedback on their progress and with constructive criticism to foster growth.

Panel Member 1: ______

Panel Member 2: ______

Panel Member 3: ______

  1. What is the mentor apprentice program?

Please describe in your own words what the mentor apprentice program is and what some of the key challenges teams can expect to face when completing the program.

  1. Time

One of the greatest struggles MAP teams face is finding enough time for one-on-one immersion sessions. Please describe in a paragraph the adjustments your team plans to make to assist you to find the time to complete the required immersion hours.

  1. 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 understanding of the mentor apprentice approach to language learning;

-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)

-Draft 300 hour work plan

First Nations Language Teacher Survey

Part 1: Personal Information:

Name: / Email:

Part 2: Current Language Teaching Position:

Location of teaching position held / Age levels taught
(Check all that apply) / Fluency levels taught
(Check all that apply) / Average instruction time per week, per student (minutes) / Is this position full time or part time:
___ Early childhood
___ K – 12
___ Adult / ___ Beginner
___ Basic
___ Intermediate
___ Advanced

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.

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

2017-2018 First Nations Language Teacher Mentor-Apprentice Program Page 1 of 14

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 you will 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.

Work Plan Template(continued)

Language topic: List the subject or topic of this language learning segment (eg. greetings, hunting, travelling). / Language learning: Identify the language you will 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.

2017-2018 First Nations Language Teacher Mentor-Apprentice Program Page 1 of 14

[1]Program description from fpcc.ca

[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)