Departments : Education Newswatch :
Education Newswatch November/December 2005
News and Grants for Teaching Professionals
In Brief
A Kinder, Gentler Award
Doctors, lawyers and businesspeople can earn $100,000 in one year. Why not a dedicated teacher?" asks an announcement from the KIPP (Know- ledge Is Power Program) Foundation about an unprecedented new grant opportunity. The Kinder Excellence in Teaching Award – in the amount of $100,000 – is the largest unrestricted award for a K-12 teacher in American history. This award is offered by Nancy and Rich Kinder, in partnership with the KIPP Foundation, and will be given to one outstanding teacher working in an underserved community. "My husband and I hope to shine a spotlight on the teaching profession, because we know that a great teacher can make a difference for thousands of children in a lifetime," says Nancy Kinder. Candidates must be full-time teachers in a K-12 public or private school with at least 50 percent of its students qualifying for the federal school meal program. Nominations are due by December 31, 2005. For more information about the nomination process and award, go to www.kinderaward.org
Pilot Robert Vallier
The Spirit of Adventure
Philanthropist Robert Vallier is em- barking on an adventure, with the help of teachers and students from all across the country. In April 2006, Vallier will begin a 25,000-mile expedition during which he'll fly his single-engine airplane to every state in the country. His hope is that his journey may invigorate students' awareness of their state's geography, history and key landmarks – even math and science as it relates to the flight. "I plan to invite students and their teachers to follow the trip online, as well as to plan field trips to see my plane when I am in their state and hear firsthand about the landmarks I've visited," says Vallier. Stu- dents and their teachers are invited to learn more about The Spirit of Adven- ture expedition and to suggest flight stops in their states at www.starflight-usa.org
Schools of Distinction
The Intel Foundation will award grants of $10,000 each and educational prizes to 20 schools during the 2006 Intel and Scholastic Schools of Distinction Awards. There are 10 award categories: academic, literacy, mathematics and science achievement; technology excellence; technology innovation; collaboration and teamwork; leadership and professional development. In addition, two "best of the best" schools will receive an additional $15,000. The application deadline is January 5, 2006. Visit www.schoolsofdistinction.com to learn how to apply.
Grants
Christopher Columbus Awards
This award, which is sponsored by the Christopher Columbus Fellowship Foundation, challenges teams of up to four students and a coach to identify a community issue and use the scientific process to solve it. Finalist teams win an all-expense-paid trip to Walt Disney World® where they will compete for U.S. Savings Bonds and the $25,000 Columbus Foundation Community Grant to help bring their idea to life in their community.
Deadline February 13, 2006
Eligibility Middle school students and adult coaches
Contact 800-291-6020 or www.christophercolumbusawards.com
Pay It Forward Mini-Grants
Each month during the school year, the Pay It Forward Foundation awards grants in the amount of $50-$500 to K-12 service-oriented projects that benefit the school, neighborhood or greater community. In completing their applications, educators should explain the project thoroughly and include specific information about the project's educational value, and attach a clear and concise budget. Funds may be used for supplies, materials, equipment or transportation to a service site.
Deadline January 15, April 15 and October 15, 2006
Eligibility Teachers and principals
Contact www.payitforwardfoundation.org/educators/grant.html
Outdoor Classroom Grant
Lowe's, International Paper and National Geographic Explorer! have partnered to offer teachers grants of up to $2,000 each, or up to $20,000 for school districts with major outdoor classroom projects.
Deadline Apply online between January and April for notification in mid-May
Eligibility U.S. K-12 public schools
Contact www.lowes.com/outdoorclassroom
Readingpen® Grant
The Readingpen K-12 Grant provides assistance to pioneering educators who want to use Readingpen devices in effective and creative ways to improve student's reading skills. Proposed projects must focus on using the Readingpen in daily instruction, whether in the classroom or for homework. Grant recipients receive 10 Readingpen devices, teacher support materials that include a Teacher's Guide, student activities and white papers, and guidance from a mentor or senior reading specialist with experience integrating technology into the K-12 environment. The approximate value of each grant package is $1,000.
Deadline Ongoing
Eligibility U.S. K-12 schools
Contact www.readingpen.com/learn/educators.htm
