Teachers Institute on Canadian Parliamentary Democracy

About the Institute

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Description

• The Teachers Institute on Canadian Parliamentary Democracy is an intensive professional development opportunity that brings 70 outstanding teachers from across Canada together in Ottawa for an insider’s view on how Parliament works.
• Through sessions with political, procedural and pedagogical experts, participants engage in a process of critical inquiry into key issues in citizenship and parliamentary democracy.
• Throughout the program, participants work together in a collaborative environment to develop strategies for teaching about Parliament, democracy, governance and citizenship.
• Participants are officially recognized for their excellence in teaching.

Eligibility

• You have not previously participated in the Teachers Institute.
• You currently teach in Canada.
• You currently teach or expect to be teaching in a subject area related to citizenship, civics and/or social studies.
• You currently teach students between grades Kindergarten to 12 (Primary cycle 1 to CÉGEP in Québec).
• You plan to continue teaching in the province or territory from which you apply until at least June 30, 2014.
• You are prepared to undertake a follow-up activity to extend the impact of Teachers Institute.
• Each person must apply individually and will be evaluated on his or her own merits.
• Both new and experienced teachers are welcome to apply.

Selection

Seventy applicants will be selected by a national selection committee of educators. Candidacy is assessed on the following criteria:

• Commitment to teaching about citizenship, democracy, governance or Parliament.
• Evidence of professional leadership in your educational and community life, appropriate to your years of experience.
• Demonstration of engagement in professional dialogue and collaborative work.
• Capacity to undertake classroom innovation or curriculum activities based on the Teachers Institute.
• Evidence of commitment to ongoing professional growth.
• Two letters of recommendation (which should make specific reference to the selection criteria listed above).

Cost

• Registration fee of $500 is payable upon selection.
• The Parliament of Canada covers all travel costs, accommodation and most meals.
• The Churchill Society for the Advancement of Parliamentary Democracy offers $500 bursaries to cover registration fees for Teachers Institute participants. For more information and an application form, please visit www.churchillsociety.org.
• The Canadian Association of Former Parliamentarians offers $500 bursaries to help defray the cost of substitute coverage for those participants of the Teachers Institute who may otherwise not be able to attend. Four are awarded to Anglophone and three to Francophone participants. The application form is now available. For information about the CAFP, visit www.exparl.ca.

Benefits

• Experience an insider's view on the intricacies of Parliament and the legislative process, the key players, their functions and activities.
• Gain insight into the fundamental issues of contemporary democratic governance.
• Collect creative ideas and useful tools for teaching about Parliament, governance, democracy and citizenship.
• Forge contacts with dynamic teacher colleagues from across the country.

Program Highlights

• Meet the Speakers of the Senate and the House of Commons and other parliamentarians.
• Observe Question Period, parliamentary debates and committee meetings.
• Analyze critical issues with political, procedural and pedagogical experts.
• Attend working luncheons with key parliamentary and federal government staff.
• Receive important resource materials that support teaching about Parliament, governance, democracy and citizenship while attending the Resource Fair.
• Celebrate excellence in teaching about Parliament, governance, democracy and citizenship.

Testimonials