Professional Development Grant

OSSTF D25 Occasional Teachers' Bargaining Unit is pleased to offer members up to $300 for eligible opportunities completed in the current Federation year (July 1st- June 30th). Members may apply for pre-approval for the funding, with funds being sent out after receiving proper documentation. The terms and conditions for this funding are:

1. Eligibility:

   • • Professional development (PD) certificates

     • Education/Teacher conferences

     • Additional Qualifications (AQs) or Additional Basic Qualifications (ABQs)

     • First Aid, mental health, equity, or coaching training

     • Accommodation/Travel expenses

2. Not-Eligible:

   • • Professional Development (PD) offered by a school board

     • Principal Qualifications Program (PQP) courses

     • Release time

     • Payment in excess of funds from other sources, exceeding the expense incurred

     • Physical or digital material not required for the PD opportunity

     • PD opportunities if you are attending as a presenter/speaker/etc.

3. Requirements for Application:

• Active member of D25 OTBU (These may not apply to members who are on approved statutory leaves - see PD fund FAQs): 

  • 1. You must have worked at least 10 secondary assignments in the past 365 days (casual or LTO) by the completion date of the PD opportunity. 

And 

• • 2. The most recent day worked must have been within 90 days prior to the completion of the PD opportunity.

• Confirmation of completion of PD opportunity where applicable

• Receipt of payment for the PD opportunity

• Full disclosure of any other funding received or planning to receive

4. Optional Pre-approval:

   • Pre-approval applications may only be made within 3 months from the start date of the PD opportunity.

5. Limits for the current federation year (2026-2027): 

   • The distribution of funds will be split between Semester 1 (July 1 - Jan 31) and Semester 2 (Feb 1 - June 30). Any unused funds in Semester 1 will be carried into Semester 2. 

   • A waiting list may be kept in case there are any unused funds or any pre-approved funds are not claimed for the semester.

   • Applications made during the summer may be processed after the new school year begins; applications submitted for this federation year will not be processed if not submitted after July 31, 2027.

Please address all questions related to PD Grants to jiwon.bae@d25.osstf.ca

Checklist of what you need to complete for the application to be processed:

• Professional Development Funds - Application

• Financial Statement

• All applicable receipts and certificate of completion with your name and applicable dates.