Professional development funding for teachers maintained

The Department of Education will maintain the $900,000 increase in funding for teacher professional development that was invested last year.

"The Department of Education recognizes a teacher�s expertise and knowledge are crucial elements in a student�s education. Funding for professional development is a wise investment in a quality education for the children and youth of our province. In order to ensure teachers acquire the most recent teaching strategies and skills, they must have opportunities for sustained professional development," said Education Minister Judy Foote.

This additional investment brings the total budget for professional development to $4.4 million for the 2001-2002 fiscal year.

Last year�s investment was targeted at professional development activities in the areas of literacy and numeracy with intensive training at the primary level in teaching reading. This will continue for each of the next two years, focusing on oral language this coming year and writing the following year.

Media contact: Andrea Maunder, Communications, (709) 729-0048.

2001 03 22                    3:15 p.m.