What are PSAs?
The BCTF includes 32 provincial specialist associations (PSAs). PSAs are channels for members to exchange ideas on research, teaching strategies, curriculum development, and other shared interests.
What do PSAs do?
PSA conferences
Each year, scores of volunteers organize provincial and regional conferences for colleagues. The PSA conferences are highlighted on the BCTF’s PD Calendar as well as on the PSA website.
How does one join a PSA?
Join a PSA to share your expertise and obtain information.
Online membership registration is now available. Click here to join or renew PSA memberships now.
What are LSAs?
Well it stands for Local Specialist Association (LSA) which falls under the BCTF’s Provincial Specialist Association (PSA). These organized groups meet and are funded through special local grants from the Saanich Teachers’ Association. A LSA affords opportunity for teachers to discuss specific professional development needs of the group, brainstorm solutions to local problems and to exchange ideas.
How can I form an LSA group in Saanich?
Call a meeting of teachers across the district from your specialty area. For example, the Saanich Teacher Librarians’ is an active LSA that meets regularly after school. Once you have a group of interested people you must submit an application.
All LSAs are encouraged to have a constitution that they revisit each year. If you don’t have a constitution and are starting from scratch here are two ideas to help you get started. First, contact your PSA for a copy of its constitution. You may be able to use the PSA constitution as a basis for your LSA constitution. Alternatively contact the Professional Development Chairperson who may be able to help.
We will be accepting applications for LSAs for the 2023-2024 school year from September 29, 2023 – June 1, 2024. We will continue to distribute grants all year or until our LSA grant budget runs out. Electronic applications can be sent to: hmair@saanichschools.ca
The Saanich Teachers’ Association has budgeted for 4 LSA grants this year for a maximum amount of $500 each.
Further information on Priority Fund Grants and LSAs and how they are administered by the Pro-D Committee can be found in the Pro-D Handbook.