Funds for classroom technology
As technology rapidly introduces and expedites new ways of learning, classrooms often find it difficult to keep up. Directpackages.com understands the importance of technology as a tool for learning and entertainment and therefore wishes to present three teachers each with a $1,000 grant to spend on classroom technology. How would you implement technology to enhance your teaching methods and address learning challenges? Would you invest in a new computer or mobile devices for your students to use in the classroom? Or perhaps make use of software that streamlines your curriculum and lightens the load of grading papers? In 400 to 500 words, write about the impact new classroom technology could have for you and your students. Write about what new technology would mean to your classroom and how you would use the grant to address a learning challenge. All submissions should include an observed learning challenge that is amplified by inadequate technology; the specific technology or technologies you plan to implement; how this technology will support your teaching efforts; and the anticipated impact improved technology will have on your students.
DEADLINE: Feb. 24.
CONTACT: DirectPackages
The power of empathy
The ClassDojo app and Making Caring Common program have launched an initiative designed to help millions of students worldwide learn about the power of empathy. The collaboration offers teachers, parents and students on ClassDojo access to an original series of animated short films along with discussion guides. The new resources are part of ClassDojo’s Big Ideas series. See more information.
Autism teacher manual
The National Autism Center at May Institute is offering teachers a free download of its educator’s manual “Evidence-based Practice and Autism in the Schools,” 2nd Edition. Updated last year, the educators’ manual now includes information about the 14 established interventions for children and adolescents that have the most research support, produce beneficial outcomes and are known to be effective. It also offers case studies, practical tools and reading recommendations to help special education teachers, administrators and families. See further information.
Win a playground makeover
Together Counts is seeking applications for the Healthy Playground Makeover Sweepstakes. The sweepstakes seeks to help schools improve their wellness programs. Two winners will receive $30,000 in prizes for their school’s wellness program and a new playground from Playworld Systems Inc. Three runners-up will receive $5,000 grants for their schools’ wellness programs. Eligibility: Pre-K–5 schools.
DEADLINE: March 24.
CONTACT: Together Counts
Access the Library of Congress
The Library of Congress offers classroom materials and professional development to help teachers effectively use primary sources from the library’s vast digital collections in their teaching. Educators can find access to lesson plans that meet Common Core standards, state content standards and the standards of national organizations. See more information.
School library grant
The Laura Bush Foundation for America’s Libraries provides funds to the neediest schools so they can extend, update and diversify the book and print collections in their libraries with the goal of encouraging students to develop a love of reading and learning. School libraries can apply for up to $7,000 in funds. See the list of criteria online.
DEADLINE: Dec. 12.
CONTACT: Laura Bush Foundation
Lab challenge
Shell and the National Science Teachers Association have partnered to recognize outstanding middle and high school programs for their exemplary approaches to science lab instruction utilizing limited school and laboratory resources. The Shell Science Lab Challenge will showcase the work of teachers, representing their schools, who submit innovative, replicable strategies to deliver quality lab experiences with limited equipment or resources, and provide award-winning teachers or schools with additional tools, resources and rich professional development opportunities needed to support high-quality science teaching and strengthen their existing capabilities. Applicants may be individual teachers or teams of teachers of science in grades 6–12, in the United States and Canada, representing their schools. A teacher is limited to one application per year (whether submitting as an individual or team applicant). A school may submit an unlimited number of applications. Awards range from $3,000 to $20,000.
DEADLINE: Jan. 23.
CONTACT: NSTA