Purpose
Innovative Educator Grants are designed to encourage, facilitate, recognize and reward innovative and creative teaching to help accomplish district and/or school objectives. The Springfield Education Foundation (SEF) offers educators and administrators the opportunity to apply for grants to support innovative programs or projects to support higher levels of student learning. The grants must enhance student academic performance and support the objectives, goals and initiatives of Springfield Public Schools.
NOTE: If you are in need of items such as software upgrades, science supplies, books, musical instruments, art supplies, equipment or tools, consider applying for the new Cutting Edge Grant. Up to $500 per grant application may be requested. Grants awarded will be dependent upon available funding.
Persons Eligible to Apply for Grants
Individuals or teams of individuals employed by Springfield Public Schools who are involved in the instruction of students or related support services benefiting students.
Eligible Proposals
Projects designed to begin during the 2011-2012 school year and which meet the selection criteria. Grants may fund instructional and classroom materials, parent involvement programs, or any activity or material which supports higher levels of student academic achievement. Types of proposals that will be consider include funding of field trips, up-to-date technology, equipment, instructional aides, performances and other items and services, which demonstrate a direct connection to student learning. For 2011-2012 school year, applications will not be considered for building maintenance or construction projects, wages for furlough days, teacher training or payment for substitutes.
Award of Funds
Grants of up to $1,000 will be awarded to individual educator-initiated programs or projects. Grants of up to $3,000 will be awarded to teams, departments and district-initiated programs or projects (three or more individuals). The number of grants awarded will depend on the number that meet the criteria and availability of funds from SEF.
Selection Criteria are based on the degree to which the grant:
- Supports district goals.
- Emphasizes student academic performance.
- Utilizes sound evaluation procedures, incorporating numerical data and measures when appropriate.
- Represents an innovative or creative approach.
- Is clear and logical, emphasizing a direct connection between the overall project and student learning.
Submitting Your Application
Please complete both parts of the online application, including the IEG Cover Page and IEG Application. Alternatively, you may email your application materials to ronnel@springfieldeducationfoundation.org or submit paper copies to the SEF office located in room 219 at the District Office, 525 Mill Street.
All materials, regardless of format, must be submitted by 5 pm, Monday, October 24, 2011.
You will also need to provide written communication that your administrator approves of your project. To indicate approval he or she needs to submit the Administrator Endorsement Form in hard copy to the SEF office by 5 pm, Friday, October 27, 2011.
Selection Process
Applications will be reviewed and awarded by the Grant Application Review Committee made up of the following members:
- Members of Innovative Educator Grant Committee of SEF.
- Parent representative appointed by the SEF Board of Directors.
- District representative selected by Innovative Educator Grant Committee.
- Others as determined by the SEF Board of Directors.
In an effort to evaluate each application fairly, the application forms are “blind-reviewed.” Reviewers will not be allowed to see the school or educator names, or any identifying information. Projects, identified only by an ID number, will be scored by each committee member and chosen based on accumulated score and funds available.
Applicants will be notified of decisions by December 9, 2011.
Responsibilities of Grant Recipients
- Use of the grant for the purposes intended.
- Funds must be expended by the end of the school year in which grant was awarded.
- Project needs to be fully implemented and final report submitted to SEF before recipients can submit an application for another grant. The final report must use the form included in this packet and submitted by June 30 of the school year the grant is awarded.
- Agree to share successful procedures in staff development sessions and to the SEF Board if requested.
When applying for a grant, please remember the following:
- Grants are to be used to fund projects that are not provided for in school and district budgets. Funds will not be awarded for budgeted items available from district resources.
- Objectives and outcomes should be consistent with the goals of your school and the district.
- When creating your budget, research carefully and be realistic. Small grants are just as likely to be awarded as large grants. Include bids for purchases.
- Keep your application brief and do not include additional documents or audio-visual materials.
- Please use recommended technology/equipment prices and vendors for commonly requested items from Tech Services.
