Score with the Nets
Could you use $1,000 to make your classroom more inspiring? The Brooklyn Nets’ Community Assist Program is encouraging Brooklyn middle school teachers to submit a fun and creative three-minute (maximum) video describing why their class should receive a $1,000 grant. This year’s theme is “We Are Education.” Submitted videos should also include how the funds will be used; how the grant will enhance your instruction; teacher’s full name, email address, phone number, name of the school and principal’s name. Teachers must teach students in grades 6–8 and videos must be formatted and uploaded via YouTube. The school must be located in Brooklyn. The top 20 video submissions will receive $1,000. Ten honorable mentions will receive 10 tickets for one Nets home game during the 2014–15 season. Winners will be selected by Feb. 9.
DEADLINE: Jan. 16.
CONTACT: To register and submit your video, visit brooklynnets.com/allstareducators.
Paid fellowships at Columbia
New York City middle and high school science teachers are invited to apply for paid fellowships for the summers of 2015 and 2016 at Columbia University. Fellows will work on hands-on, cutting-edge research in the discipline of their choice in the laboratory with a faculty mentor. Opportunities are available in astronomy, biological sciences, chemistry, earth sciences, engineering, environmental sciences, genetics, materials science and engineering, medicine and much more (the full list is available on the website). The length of the residency is eight weeks each summer. The summer fellowship involves laboratory work (four days of the week) and formal professional development activities such as seminars by leading Columbia University scientists, peer coaching, Japanese-style lesson study, workshops on data-driven instruction and scientific modeling. The formal activities take place one day a week, on Mondays. Each fellow will receive a stipend and additional funds for the purchase of classroom materials.
DEADLINE: Jan. 30 at 5 p.m.
CONTACT: Science Teacher Program or Jay Dubner at jd109@columbia.edu.
Agriculture in the classroom
Each year the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture and the National Agriculture in the Classroom Consortium recognize five exceptional teachers by presenting them with the Excellence in Teaching about Agriculture Award. This competitive program recognizes a select group of teachers for their successful efforts in teaching agricultural concepts in their curriculum. Maximum award: $500; up to $1,500 for travel-related expenses to the National Agriculture in the Classroom Conference. Eligibility: pre-K–12 teachers.
DEADLINE: Jan. 15.
CONTACT: Excellence in Teaching About Agriculture
Yes, you cam
C-SPAN’s StudentCam is an annual national video documentary competition that encourages students to think seriously about issues that affect our communities and our nation. Students are asked to create a short (five- to eight-minute) video documentary on a topic related to the competition theme “The Three Branches and You.” Maximum award: $5,000, plus $1,000 in digital equipment for your school. Eligibility: individuals or teams of two to three students in grades 6–8 or grades 9–12.
DEADLINE: Jan. 20.
CONTACT: StudentCam
Flowers in the summertime
Each year the City Gardens Club of New York City pays program fees for a limited number of New York City public school teachers to attend activity-oriented summer workshops at the New York Botanical Garden, Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Queens Botanical Garden, the Horticultural Society of New York and a residential program on Hog Island, Maine, which is offered by National Audubon Society. Scholarships cover the costs of tuition, plus teachers will receive “P” in-service credit where available, course materials and room and board when applicable. Elementary, middle and high school teachers who teach science in the classroom are eligible.
DEADLINE: April 17.
CONTACT: Application forms and descriptions of the programs are available starting Jan. 15 at City Gardens Club.