Scholarships and bursaries support second language learning

Edmonton… Twenty-three bursaries and scholarships have been awarded to Alberta’s present and future Kindergarten to Grade 12 language teachers to help enhance knowledge and fluency of second languages.

“These awards support and encourage teachers to pursue learning other languages,” said Education Minister Gene Zwozdesky. “The province recognizes the valuable contributions that language teachers make to our students. Second language learning enhances students’ cultural awareness, reinforces cultural identity and helps them to develop an appreciation for different perspectives.”

The Language Teacher Bursaries, valued at $5,000 each, are awarded to 11 teachers to attend a language credit course or a recognized language and culture immersion program outside of Canada. The Languages in
Teacher Education Scholarships, valued at $2,500 each, are awarded to 12 post-secondary students currently enrolled in a teacher preparation program that includes second language learning.

“Remaining internationally competitive is critical to our province’s future,” said Advanced Education Minister Denis Herard. “We must ensure Albertans have the skills needed to succeed in the global market — skills like a knowledge and understanding of other cultures and fluency in other languages. Supporting language diversity among our future teachers will benefit their students, their communities and our province.”

To be eligible for a bursary, applicants must hold a valid Alberta professional teaching certificate and must have been teaching in the province for at least three years.  In addition, applicants must either have a specialization in languages, or show evidence of having begun the study of the language they will teach.

Students eligible for a scholarship must be Alberta residents registered full time in a recognized teacher preparation program in the province. Recipients are nominated by their post-secondary institution based on academic achievement and the education program components they have taken that will prepare them to be a language teacher in Alberta after graduation.

These scholarships and bursaries are a few of the more than 50 available to Albertans through Alberta Scholarship Programs. More information about these and other scholarships is available at www.alis.gov.ab.ca/scholarships.

Backgrounder

2006 Language Teacher Bursary Program Recipients - $5000

2006 Languages in Teacher Education Scholarship - $2500  

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