Grants, awards & freebies — Feb. 2, 2012

Opportunity for science teachers

Rockefeller University is looking for high school science teachers in the New York City metropolitan area for their summer workshop, “Modeling the Molecular World,” from July 9 to 12. The workshop focuses on connecting the macroscopic world in which students live with the invisible world of molecules. Participants will explore the general principles of chemistry underlying molecular structure and function. Participants will also be introduced to the use of JMOL — a computer visualization tool that can be used to expand on the concepts of protein structure that are initially created by the use of the physical models. A variety of teaching strategies will be presented in the workshop. Participants will be provided with a $100 stipend to cover lunch and travel expenses, as well as models and teaching aids valued at $500.

DEADLINE: Rolling
CONTACT: rockefeller.edu/outreach/modeling

Summer Science Research Program

Rockefeller University is looking for high school science teachers for its Summer Science Research Program. In the program, teachers spend seven weeks (June 25-Aug. 10) engaged in authentic research mentored by Rockefeller University scientists. In addition, teachers work with each other, scientists and educators to translate their lab experience into hands-on labs for their classrooms. Stipends of $5,000 are provided.

DEADLINE: Mar. 15
CONTACT: rockefeller.edu/outreach/summer_science

National Conference for Girls' Education

This is an opportunity for educators, in and out of the classroom, to attend the inaugural National Conference on Girls’ Education to be held Feb. 10-12 in Washington, D.C. This is a collaboration between the Young Women’s Leadership Network, with four all-girls secondary schools in New York City, as well as affiliates across the country and the National Coalition of Girls’ Schools. The program is heavily focused on what works for teachers and girl-serving practitioners. Organizations such as Big Sister, Girl Scouts, Girls Inc., The Women’s College Coalition, Simmons College, GirlUp of the United Nations Foundation, and Stepup Women’s Network are on the advisory board. Conference information including registration fees are available at www.ncgs.org/national-conference-on-girls-education.

The Great American Teach-Off Contest

This contest for middle and high school teachers will let students, parents and teachers nominate one teacher who is making a difference — and America will decide which teacher should receive the $10,000 classroom grant. How it works: Sponsored by GOOD and the University of Phoenix, educators are nominated through a 200-word essay on GOOD’s website. Ten finalists will be chosen by a panel of partnering organizations. Finalists will then submit short videos answering questions posed by the contest organizers. Over the course of five weeks, finalists are paired against one another and America will decide who should move on to the next round of competition. Ultimately, one will be named The Greatest American Teacher. Sign up now at www.good.is/great-american-teach-off.

TEAMS Teaching Prize Grant

TEAMS is seeking submissions for its second annual teaching prize for K-12 teachers. Teachers are encouraged to submit their original lesson plans dealing with medieval studies topics for consideration. Teachers of winning submissions will receive cash prizes and publication of their lessons in the Once and Future Classroom. The minimum award is $500 and the maximum award is $1,000. The award is given to recognize excellence in designing and teaching lessons in medieval studies, including but not limited to such areas as history, literature and art history, in K-12 schools.

DEADLINE: May 1
CONTACT: Seeking Submissions for the Second Annual TEAMS Teaching Prize

ING Unsung Heroes Award

Are you an educator with a class project that is short on funding but long on potential? Do you know a teacher looking for grant dollars? ING Unsung Heroes could help you turn great ideas into reality for students. Each year, 100 educators are selected to receive $2,000 to help fund their innovative class projects. Three of those are chosen to receive the top awards of an additional $5,000, $10,000 and $25,000.

DEADLINE: April 30
CONTACT: ING Unsung Heroes Celebrates 15 Years of Innovation and Creativity Among Nation's Teachers