FAQs
Please note – all PD funding is based on the school calendar year July 1st – June 30th.
def. (from BCTF Members’ Guide) Professional development is a process of ongoing growth, through involvement in programs, services, and activities designed to enable teachers, both individually and collectively, to enhance professional practices. For more information, please see the PD Lens.
As a professional, you can choose the activity that helps you become a better teacher. You do not necessarily have to do what others are doing but bear in mind as professionals we are part of a team, working collegially is sometimes a necessary thing.
Any active DTA member may apply for PD funding.
Complete the appropriate form; all forms are available on this website under PD Info - Applications Forms.
For a Regular PD application:
- Please read the policies and follow the checklist, as they contain all the information you require to apply for funds and obtain your reimbursement in a timely manner.
- Complete the application and remember to have it signed by your PD Contact and your Principal.
- Submit your signed form to the DTA office along with the conference/workshop information (this information should include date, location and cost) via email or fax (604-946-1629).
For a Credit Course application:
- Please read the policy, complete the application and have your PD Contact sign. Ensure that all documents from the university are attached with your application:
- Course number & description
- Course dates (start & finish)
- Course cost breakdown
- Once your application has been approved by the PD Chair, a copy of your approved application will be sent back to you via the school mail.
- Please keep this copy as it has a reference number which should be used when enquiring about your application / payment status.
For regular funding and self-directed you need to have your application into the office at least 14 days prior to the event, credit course applications need to be received before the course begins.
No late applications will be accepted! This will ensure there is enough time to have it processed and for you to receive an answer as to whether or not it has been approved.
Yes, this is the only time we will waive the 14 day deadline. Your application must be received by the DTA office no later than 4:00 pm the day prior to the October PSA conferences day.
This depends on what you are applying for.
Regular funding is often shared by the school. The annual maximum from the DTA is $600.
Credit Course and Self-Directed are covered solely by the DTA. Credit course max is annually $1,500. For Self-Directed, the cost of 1 TTOC per year per member is allowed.
If you are planning to go with another member it is important to keep track of which member has paid for what expense.
It will be the responsibility of the members to work out payment of those costs between each other.
Complete the Travel and Accommodation For (5020TA) showing the full cost of the expenses and with whom you are travelling with.
When payment is made by the DTA, the member that paid for the expense will be reimbursed for those costs. However, the costs will be distributed evenly in regards to the amount of funding. Remember that the maximum is $600 for registration and travel costs.
The amount of the travel costs will be paid after the amount of the cost of the registration has been calculated.
To get the maximum amount of your PD Funding it is recommended that members do share costs where possible.
If your school is not covering the TTOC cost, then yes, when you require a TTOC the cost incurred is included in the $600 allotted. The cost of the TTOC is not paid to you, we are invoiced by the Board office and we pay them directly. The reimbursement you receive is what you have been allocated minus the TTOC cost.
As of September 2020, the cost of a TTOC for PD release is $355, but this is subject to change through the year by the District.
Good question! Yes, there are occasions when funding will be denied or modified.
A list of reasons are noted in the policies for the PD funding application and on the Credit Course application, which will be noted on your approved or denied application.
Have your applications submitted on time to avoid the situation where you have registered for a conference/workshop which you will not receive funding for.
Once you have completed your course or workshop you must submit all official receipts to the DTA office, via email or fax (604-946-1629), noting your approval number.
To receive reimbursement, all receipts must be received by June 30th. However, courses that finish in the month of June should have all completion documents into the DTA by the September 30th. Any documents received after that date will not be accepted.
The cheque will be sent to you via the school mail. Please ensure that if you changed schools and you have a PD Funding application on file that you contact the DTA to ensure your cheque arrives at your new school. If you are a TTOC, your cheque will be mailed to you. Again, please make sure if you have moved after the submission of your application that you contact us to confirm your address.
Yes. There is an appeal process you can utilize, below are the steps.
Appeal Process (see DTA Constitution 12:04):
Step 1. Appeal in writing to the DTA PD Committee stating grounds for the appeal, within 30 days of denial. Email your appeal to brianna@deltateachers.org.
Step 2. If dissatisfied with the committee ruling, the colleague is entitled to a final and binding ruling by a special panel composed of the DTA President, plus two members of the Executive Committee who have not heard the original appeal, such appeal to be made with 30 days of the step on denial letter. Email your appeal letter to brianna@deltateachers.org.
Lastly, a reminder that PD days are working days – don’t misuse them or we may lose them altogether.