Innovative Teaching Grants 2015-2016 Application Overview

Innovative Teaching Grants 2015-2016 Application Overview Purpose: The Innovative Teaching Grants program is a Junior League of Memphis (JLM) project designed to improve the quality of life for children by encouraging and supporting excellence in teaching. The grants will enable teachers to implement original and creative learning experiences beyond the basic curriculum allocated through school budgets. Eligibility: This program awards grants to PK-8 teachers in need* in the Memphis metro area. Focus: Incorporating an emphasis on the arts as well as the increasing need for science and technology education in our schools, the focus of the 2015-2016 Innovative Teaching Grants will be STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics). Qualifying projects will incorporate one or more of these areas. Funding: The JLM has $18,000 to be awarded in grants of up to $1,500 for individual teachers and up to $2,500 for a team of two to four teachers. In addition, each grant winner will be invited to attend a show exhibiting the work of the 2015 – 2016 awardees in late spring. The Process: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

Application Deadline: October 2, 2015 at 11:59 p.m. Grant Recipients posted to JLM website and acceptance letters mailed: October 16, 2015 Grant Reception Meeting (Meet JLM contacts and monies distributed): November 2015 Projects implemented and site visits made by JLM Innovative Teaching Grant committee members: November 2015 – May 2016. Grant evaluations and itemized expenses due to JLM: April 8, 2016. Exhibition of 2015-2016 JLM Innovative Teaching Grants Project Recipients: May 2016

Additional information: *In order to meet the qualification of projects that reach schoolchildren in need, at least 80 percent of the projects selected will be from schools that meet Title I eligibility within the past five school terms. The remaining 20 percent may be from schools that demonstrate need in another capacity. In general, funds MAY be used for artist visits to classroom, computer software, tickets to performing or visual arts events (not to exceed more than 50 percent of grant monies), consumable materials and supplies. In general, funds MAY NOT be used for major equipment, computers, tablets, computer hardware, capital improvements, teacher/staff compensation, food, transportation or digital cameras. For additional information, please contact Lindsey Williams, JLM Innovative Teaching Grants Chair, at [email protected]

Innovative Teaching Grants 2015-2016 Application Cover Sheet Please type or print legibly.

Teacher’s name:

______________________________________________________

Grade/Subject:

______________________________________________________

Teacher’s Email Address:

______________________________________________________

Teacher’s Phone Number:

______________________________________________________

Project Title:

______________________________________________________

Budget Request:

______________________________________________________

School:

______________________________________________________

School Address and Zip Code:

______________________________________________________

School Phone Number:

______________________________________________________

Principal’s Name:

______________________________________________________

Percentage Students Free/Reduced Lunch:

_________________________________________

Have you been awarded an ITG grant in the past? If so, when? _____________________________ By affixing my signature, I agree to the following: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

The above mentioned project will be completed by April 2016. The money granted is to be spent only to support the above project. Any money not spent on the project will be returned to the Junior League of Memphis (JLM) by April 8, 2016. A record of all expenditures, with receipts, will be provided to the JLM with the final evaluation of the project by April 8, 2016 A JLM volunteer must visit the project. I agree to work in conjunction with Innovative Teaching Grants Chair, or any member of the JLM Innovative Teaching Grants committee to schedule this visit. Information regarding the above project may be used for publicity purposes as deemed appropriate by the JLM.

___________________________________ Signature of Teacher/Date

___________________________________ Signature of Principal/Date

If this is a team grant proposal, each teacher should sign below—maximum 3 additional. 1. ___________________________________ 2. ___________________________________ 3. ___________________________________

Innovative Teaching Grants Application 2015-2016 Application Instructions Please attach cover sheet to your application. Your application should be typed and no more than five pages in length, including the budget. Attachments are not necessary. Please include the following in your application: 1) Project Description (List goals and objectives. What will the students experience? Does the project feature an innovative and creative approach? Does the project describe children “in and through the arts?” Is the project based upon the assessment of need in the classroom and/or school? What methods and materials will be used? Include a timeline for the project from start date to completion date.) 2) Need for Project (Why is this project needed? How will students benefit? Is the statement of need based on an academic need, documented through test scores or other valid assessments? Is the statement of need linked to the students’ need for exposure to the arts?) 3) Effectiveness (How will you know if you have met your objectives? How will you measure the project’s impact on your students? Does the project plan feature age-appropriate indicators of performance and quality?) 4) Budget (Detail your budget requests by line item. Include specific information on materials and costs. Does the budget support the project description? Is the budget efficient and realistic?) Note whether materials will be reusable. 5) Grant Agreement (a signed Application Cover Sheet must be submitted with the application.) ***KEEP A COPY OF THE COMPLETED APPLICATION FOR YOUR FILES*** Grants will be evaluated by a blind review process using the following criteria: 1) Learning Experience – Does the project implement original and creative learning experiences for the students? 2) Benefit to the Students – Will it be a memorable and unique educational experience? 3) Creativity and Practicality – Is it innovative and how will it be executed? 4) Effectiveness – Are goals set and project completion date specified? 5) Budget – Is it realistic? Is the budget clearly defined by line item? APPLICATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY 11:59 P.M. on OCTOBER 2. NO FAXES ACCEPTED. PLEASE E-MAIL APPLICATIONS TO: Lindsey Williams Innovative Teaching Grants Chair Junior League of Memphis

[email protected] Additionally, there will be a drop box located at: Junior League of Memphis—Community Resource Center* 3475 Central Avenue Memphis, TN 38111 *Please make plans to drop off completed applications during regular business hours: Monday – Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. If an application is dropped off, it must be done so before 5 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 2.