The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Al Hawkins, Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development:
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in this Honourable House to recognize an important step being taken in response to the recommendations of the Premier’s Task Force on Improving Educational Outcomes.
To build capacity among K-6 teachers and to enhance mathematics pedagogy in primary and elementary schools, I am pleased to announce that for the next five years the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development is providing $40,000 in funding annually for a K-6 Mathematics Bursary Program.
The task force identified mathematics as an area where there is a particular need for improved teacher education. Mr. Speaker, it is important for primary and elementary teachers and administrators to have a sound background in mathematics and have ongoing opportunities to enhance their knowledge and skills.
The Mathematics Bursary Program is in response to Recommendation 37 of the task force report that the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development introduce a bursary program to encourage teacher participation in university level courses in mathematics content and pedagogy required for Grades K-6.
The department welcomes applications from administrators and classroom teachers who work with K-6 students, including substitute teachers. The mathematics bursary is a financial award that recipients may use to recover course costs and related expenses for successfully completing a pre-approved bursary-eligible course. I encourage eligible teachers and administrators to apply. Applications are due on July 1 and November 1 of each year.
As a government we believe that it is important for teachers to feel comfortable and have a great skill level with teaching mathematics. Knowing more mathematics and the latest techniques of teaching it are critical.
By implementing the recommendations included in the Premier’s Task Force on Improving Educational Outcomes, we are bringing positive changes to the education system. These changes will ensure students receive a high quality education that prepares them to succeed in whatever path they choose when they graduate.
Thank you Mr. Speaker.