Guidance notes for Application for a Teacher Certification Bonded Loan

The Teacher Certification Bonded Loan provides financial support to Bermudians resident in Bermuda who are enrolled in an approved distance-learning Teacher Certification Programme; who are currently working in the Public School system under exemption status granted by the BEC Exemption Committee and who are on-track to successfully completing their certification programme.  The Applicant is responsible for the repayment of all funds within a two-year period once they are employed full-time with the Bermuda Public School System.

The Teacher Certification Bonded Loan is valued at up to $4,800 per month for 3 months (length of 12-week practicum) to be repaid under the terms and conditions of the Teacher Certification Bonded Loan agreement. (Applicant has the option to determine an amount up to $4,800 per month.)

The Bonded Loan is tenable only during the 12-week practicum teaching period as required for the completion of a Teacher Certification Programme. 

To be considered, you must follow the application instructions and ensure that your application is complete with all information requested.   

In order to apply, you must be: 

• A Bermudian and reside locally; 
• 25 years of age or older;  
• Already enrolled in an approved long-distance Teaching Certification Programme (TCP); 
• Pursuing an area of study needed in the public school system*; 
• Able to show proof of approval from the school principal where you will be undertaking your 12-week practicum, the dates it will take place, and the name of the Master Level Teacher who will be supervising your practicum; 
• Able to effect a bond signed by two guarantors, both of whom must be Bermudian, over the age of 21 years but not older than 70 years, and, only one of whom may be a parent. 

*Teaching Areas of Need in Bermuda Public Schools 

The content and specialist teaching areas identified are:  

Senior School 

• English Language Arts 
• Social Studies 
• Geography 
• History 
• Mathematics 
• Science (General, Biology, Physics, Chemistry) 
• Modern Foreign Languages (Spanish, French) 
• Design and Technology 

All School Levels 

• Reading 
• Physical Education 
• Music 
• Special Education   
  • Mild to moderate exceptionalities 
  • Moderate to severe exceptionalities

Required Documents: 

• Proof currently enrolled in an approved TCP, name of institution, programme of study with transcripts reflecting coursework 
• Personal reference letter (signed and dated no more than two years prior to your application date) 
• Professional reference letter (signed and dated no more than two years prior to your application date) 
• Official signed letter from the school principal agreeing to you undertaking the 12-week practicum at the school  and the Supervisor assigned during the 12-week practicum 
• Proof of Bermuda status 
• Response to questions for wanting to enter the Teaching Profession 

In its discretion, the Ministry of Education may ask you for additional documents to help support your application.  

Note: Applicants cannot be employed by the Department of Education while completing the 12-week practicum

If you have any questions, send the Ministry of Education an email by clicking here.