The Manitoba government is seeking innovative solutions from teachers, staff and school leaders to improve educational outcomes for all Manitoba students, through an initial investment of $5 million toward a $25-million, five-year Teachers’ Idea Fund, Education Minister Cliff Cullen announced March 25.Â
“Our government is inviting teachers, staff and school leaders in the kindergarten to Grade 12 education system to bring forward ideas based on their classroom expertise to inform improvements to K-12 education. Successful applicants will receive funding to make their ideas a reality,” said Cullen.
The Teachers’ Idea fund is a priority action of the Better Education Starts Today strategy and ensures the voice, expertise and creativity of teachers, staff and school leaders is embedded as the province charts the path forward, the minister said. This emphasises enhancing classroom supports, improving student outcomes and ensuring teachers, school staff and leaders have the knowledge, skills and tools to support student performance and continuing to put students first.
The idea fund provides an opportunity for educators and school leaders to be involved in finding solutions to respond to the impacts of COVID-19, student transitions, mental health and well-being, and other leading models of teaching and learning. Proposals that advance achievement for Indigenous students, newcomer students, students with special learning needs and French-language instruction are encouraged. An Idea Fund Review Advisory Panel comprised of cross-sectoral stakeholders has been established to review applications and support the implementation of projects. Initial successful applicants will be announced in June 2021, the minister said.
“We are committed to listening and supporting those who are on the front lines in our schools and classrooms. We know their expertise is critical to student success and we hope we can make important changes so our education system will be the most improved in the country,” said Cullen.
For more information on the Teachers’ Idea Fund, visit https://bettereducationmb.ca.
