📸: PCI Alumni S. Wermie
Applications are closed at this time. Please check back in September.
“Professional Development encompasses all activities which teachers undertake to direct their own learning and enhance their professional practice” (MTS policy handbook, 2008, p. 55).
***All grant guidelines are listed on the first page of the application form. Please read the guidelines carefully.***
Individual and Small Group Grants (ISGG) - Applications are currently closed Application Preview
Deadlines for the 2026 to 2027 school year are: October 15, 2026 and December 15, 2026. If additional funds exist, a third round will be available in March 2027.
This grant is for PD that occurs during the school year ONLY (summer PD requests go through the division office). This grant is ONLY for conference registration and sub fees. A PD Reflection is required within one month of completion of the project. A reflection ink will be sent once a grant is approved.
PD Funds for Individuals
PD Funds are available for individuals seeking to improve teaching skills through professional learning. This grant is intended to cover registration / conference fees (up to a max of $700) and sub fees (for up to 3 days). Please Note: NO incidentals such as travel costs, hotel, vehicle rentals, or meals will be covered.
PD Funds for Small Groups (minimum 3 - maximum 20 members)
PD funds are available for groups of PTA members (grade groups, subject groups) who are pursuing specific professional development objectives. This grant is intended to cover up to $5000 for the following items as they pertain to the project:
Registration fees
Presenter fees
Release time for teachers
Supplies (not exceeding 25% of the total cost of project)
Meals (only if this is in lieu of release time for teachers - ie. meeting after school)
Educational Leadership Grant - Applications are currently closed Application Preview
Deadline for the 2026 to 2027 school year is November 1st, 2026.
The Education Leadership Grant is meant to be a unique opportunity for teachers who have demonstrated a strong commitment to teacher-led peer-to-peer professional development.
The PD Committee provides an annual sponsorship for a teacher to attend a major conference leading to the recipient serving as a facilitator or teacher-to-teacher educator. This sponsorship is for training unavailable on a local level. The funds available are up to $7200.00 maximum to be divided between two applications to be awarded up to a maximum of $3600.00 each. This funding will cover substitute costs, transportation costs (cab, car rental), accommodation, meals, and registration fees.
Please Note: Applicants are responsible to ensure that their PD proposal aligns with the Core Competencies and their Personal Professional Growth Plan.
Major Conference Grant - Applications are currently closed Application Preview
Deadline for the 2026 to 2027 school year is November 1st, 2026.
The PD Committee provides an annual sponsorship for a teacher to attend a major conference. The funds available are up to $3000.00 maximum. This funding will cover substitute costs, transportation costs (cab, car rental), accommodation, meals, and registration fees. Applicants should be willing to share what they learn with colleagues after completion of the conference.
All projects must be approved by your school administrator and the superintendent before applying. Approval is to be indicated on the application form.
School Residency Grant - Applications are currently closed Application Preview
Deadline for the 2027 to 2028 school year is March 25, 2027.
The Residency Grant is available to teachers who wish to engage in longer stretches of in-class professional development with a mentor. The grant is awarded annually to a single school, to a maximum of $20 000.00. The grant is awarded on a rotational basis divisionally. The mentor cannot be a current employee of the Portage School Division or a member of the Portage Teachers’ Association. Applicants should consult with PD Co-chairs to confirm eligibility.
Please contact Janine Waines or Paulette Rheault for more information. If you require any assistance during the application processes, please contact your school PD rep.