A confirmation of learning can be, for example,
- a certification from an institute;
- a statement from an administrator stating that you participated in a mentorship; or,
- an email from an organization stating that you have completed a webinar/learning module.
The K-12 Mathematics Bursary program has its own confirmation process. <Back to FAQs>

2. What is a “specialized book club”?

A specialized book club is when a group uses a professional learning resource to guide their learning as a professional learning community (PLC). It is not enough to read the book and discuss it. In the true meaning of a PLC, the book must be read, the theories applied, data gathered, and decisions informing practice made based on data-informed discussions. <Back to FAQs>

3. Where can I find a sample of a completed application?

Sample responses to some of the STELLAR application questions can be found here. <Back to FAQs>

4. Is there a sample Program Completion Report I can see?

Sample Program Completion Reports can be found here. <Back to FAQs>

5. Where can I find more information about the Newfoundland and Labrador Standards of Practice for Mathematics Teaching (NLSPMT)?

More information about the NLSPMT can be found here. <Back to FAQs>

6. How do I share my learning after I attend an institute or a conference?

You can share your learning in many ways. You can, for example,
- host a Google Meet for teachers;
- present at a staff meeting;
- write an article for the NLTA Bulletin;
- share a photo essay with colleagues; and/or,
- create a blog while attending the conference. <Back to FAQs>

7. Can a teacher receive a bursary AND another STELLAR grant in a year (September - August)?

Yes, a teacher may receive a bursary and one other STELLAR grant in a year (September - August). You can also avail of more than one bursary in a year (September - August) but not in the same semester. You cannot avail of two bursaries (separate semesters) AND another STELLAR grant in a year (September to August). <Back to FAQs>

8. The mentorship route requires contact time. What can that look like?

The contact time for the mentorship route can be a combination of face-to-face, virtual, working together on a shared document, etc. <Back to FAQs>

9. Who can qualify to be a mentor?

Most often, mentors will be another teacher or administrator in your school or in your district. They may also be a professor or instructor at a post-secondary institute. <Back to FAQs>

10. May I avail of more than one STELLAR grant at a time?

Yes! You can avail of more than one bursary in a year (September - August) but not in the same semester. You can also avail of a bursary and one other STELLAR grant in a year (September - August). You cannot avail of two bursaries (separate semesters) AND another STELLAR grant in a year (September to August). <Back to FAQs>

11. I purchased some manipulatives as part of my work with a STELLAR-funded mentorship. Can I keep the manipulatives when I move to a new school next year?

No. Any manipulatives, equipment, and materials (including books) purchased with a STELLAR grant are to remain as property of the school for curriculum-based use by the teaching staff. To this end, materials and equipment must be inventoried and tagged as follows – Property of (insert school name), c/o STELLAR Program for Mathematics Professional Learning, 20XX (insert year). This information must also be reflected in the Program Completion Report. <Back to FAQs>

12. Are there other places where I can get funding for professional learning?

Yes, you may want to check with NLTA, TESIC, MSSIC, PLACE and with your district. <Back to FAQs>

13. Does each member of a professional learning community (PLC) have to complete an application form?

No. Only one member of the professional learning community needs to apply on behalf of the group. <Back to FAQs>

14. Who should I contact if I have questions?

Please feel free to contact STELLAR@gov.nl.ca with any questions, comments, or suggestions you might have. <Back to FAQs>

15. How do I submit my leave and what leave code do I use?

You can submit leave as you normally would using leave code 76. <Back to FAQs>

16. I am a(n) administrator/guidance counsellor/Physical Education/Music teacher/IRT. May I apply for STELLAR funding?

Absolutely! As more professionals within a school expand their mathematics knowledge, the overall mathematics capacity of the staff grows. EDU welcomes applications from all administrators and teachers. <Back to FAQs>

17. May I apply for more than one bursary?

Yes, applicants may apply for more than one bursary. However, you will not be awarded two (2) bursaries concurrently. A separate application form must be submitted for each bursary request. Preference will be given to first-time recipients. Please note: if for any reason you are re-taking a course for which you had previously been awarded a bursary, a second bursary will not be awarded. <Back to FAQs>

18. What is the value of the mathematics bursary?

Bursaries will be awarded based on a variety of criteria including, but not limited to, the method of course delivery, required travel, etc. The bursary will be awarded as follows:

$500 for an online course
$750 for a course taken on campus and a commute of less than 45 km in total is required.
$1000 for a course taken on campus and a commute of at least 45 km in total is required. <Back to FAQs>

19. When are applications to the mathematics bursary route of STELLAR due?

STELLAR applications are accepted at all times except during March of each year. During March, the STELLAR application form will not be available.

20. Which mathematics courses are eligible for the bursary?

The list of specific courses which qualify for the bursary may be found here for Grades K-6 and here for Grades 7-12. The list of pre-approved courses may also be found on the STELLAR application form when the Bursary route is chosen. <Back to FAQs>

21. I would like to do a course that is not on the current list. What do I do?

If you are interested in participating in a course not on the current list of choices, please email the STELLAR Program Coordinator at STELLAR@gov.nl.ca with the course name and number, and the institution at which the course is offered. EDU welcomes the opportunity to add eligible courses to the list of pre-approved courses. Once a decision is made, you will be notified by email. <Back to FAQs>

22. When do I receive the mathematics bursary payment?

(a) In your pre-approval notice, a date for verification of course completion will be specified.

(b) Upon successful completion of the pre-approved course, you must complete and submit the Mathematics Bursary Verification Form.

(c) Submit, via email to STELLAR@gov.nl.ca, an official transcript that includes your final grade in the mathematics bursary-eligible course or an official certificate of completion.

(d) Upon completion of the verification form, please forward TWO emails to STELLAR@gov.nl.ca

First email - your date of birth
Second email - your employee number (found on your pay stub)

We are requesting your information be shared in two separate emails for your protection.

Documents must be submitted by the deadline specified in your pre-approval notice. The bursary payment will be issued within four (4) weeks of receiving the complete documentation. <Back to FAQs>

23. What does the bursary cover?

The mathematics bursary is a financial award that recipients may use at their discretion to recover course costs and related expenses for successfully completing a pre-approved bursary-eligible course. Recipients will not be asked to repay any unspent funding and additional funds are not available if the bursary does not cover all course expenses incurred. <Back to FAQs>

24. A group of colleagues would like to take a course together. Can we do that?

Sure! Each teacher must apply individually to the university which offers the course. Each teacher must also apply separately for the mathematics bursary and indicate on the application form that you are taking the course with a group. <Back to FAQs>

25. Can I apply for the bursary if I am working toward my second degree or master's degree?

Yes, the bursary is meant to strengthen a teacher's knowledge, skills, and confidence in teaching mathematics in K-6.
<Back to FAQs>

26. There is a course on the list and it is not being offered by the university. What should I do?

Some courses are only offered in certain semesters or times of the year. Please contact the university directly to inquire when next the course will be offered. <Back to FAQs>

27. How can I find out if the course I'm taking can count as credit toward my certification?

You will have to contact Teacher Certification at teachercertification@gov.nl.ca and discuss your course selection with them.
<Back to FAQs>

28. What happens if I take a course similar to one I have already completed?

If you feel it is beneficial and the course is approved under the bursary, then it is fine. If you plan to use the course for certification, you will have to contact Teacher Certification at teachercertification@gov.nl.ca to discuss it further. <Back to FAQs>

29. Do I have to declare the amount of my mathematics bursary on my income tax?

If the mathematics bursary is more than $500 you will receive a T4A from EDU. The amount is printed in Box 105 of the T4A and must be declared on your tax return. <Back to FAQs>

30. How long do I have to successfully complete a pre-approved course?

Applicants who receive pre-approval of a bursary will have to complete the course during the semester for which pre-approval was granted. The deadline to submit verification will be specified in the notice of pre-approval. <Back to FAQs>