Public Education Foundation - Partners for Strong Schools

FFT Press Release

Hamilton County PreK-12 Educators Now Eligible for Fund for Teachers Grants
Local teachers encouraged to explore the world, gain first-hand experience to boost classroom learning

(October 17, 2011) HOUSTON – Venture capitalists for educators – that describes Fund for Teachers. But instead of investing in innovative ideas, Fund for Teachers invests in innovative teachers. And this year, for the first time, Hamilton County educators are eligible to apply.

Fund for Teachers is a national nonprofit that supports learning experiences for public school teachers that will translate into richer classroom involvement for students.    PreK-12 teachers are invited to propose their ideal learning experience through an online application. If selected, individual teachers can receive up to $5,000 and teams of teachers up to $10,000 to put their plans into action during summer 2012.

Fund for Teachers works through local partners to help promote and administer its fellowships.  This year, the organization has added Hamilton County teachers as eligible through a partnership with the Public Education Foundation and Hamilton County schools.

“This fits perfectly with our mission of improving student achievement,” says PEF President Dan Challener.  “We know that teachers who have the opportunity to live and breathe what they are teaching will be more energized and passionate about their subject matter.  They will be able to make their instruction more relevant and students will be more engaged.  It is a win for students and a win for teachers, and we look forward to seeing some really creative proposals from educators in Hamilton County.”

“The starting point for a Fund for Teachers fellowship is a curious teacher seeking opportunities to grow personally and professionally,” explains Karen Kovach-Webb, Fund for Teachers’ executive director. “With Fund for Teachers grants, these teachers then pursue experiences that inspire classrooms and motivate the students shaping our world."

Because of a local need for work in the areas of STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) and literacy, Hamilton County teachers are especially encouraged to submit proposals in these areas.  Similarly, in order to maximize the impact of this experience for schools, teachers are encouraged to join with one or more colleagues and submit team proposals.  However, great proposals from individual teachers and teachers in any subject area will be given full consideration for approval. 

Last summer, Fund for Teachers supported 433 teachers from across America who traveled in 116 countries on 7 continents. Since 2001, 4,500 teachers leveraged $15.9 million in FFT grants into global odysseys that perpetually impact students, classrooms and communities back home.

"Embarking on an educational adventure that I designed brought my teaching full circle and made me the student again," said Kylee Shipp, teacher at Silverton School of Expeditionary Learning in Silverton, CO. "By exploring the relationship between art and history in Mexico, I was able to take the time to think about my own learning processes and subsequently construct culturally relevant content for my students. Fund for Teachers provided me with the amazing gift of inspiration that I now share with my diverse population of students.”

Application guidelines and helpful tips accompany the online application. The deadline for submitting proposals is January 27, 2012; candidates are notified by April.

Fund for Teachers enriches the personal and professional growth of teachers by recognizing and supporting them as they identify and pursue opportunities around the world that impact their practice, their students and their schools. For more information, visit www.fundforteachers.org and www.facebook.com/fundforteachers.

Photo caption: Fund for Teachers Fellow Kara MacDevitt samples water drawn from the Mekong River in Luang Prabang, Laos.