The purpose of this grant is to provide funding for classroom teachers to develop innovative, educational experiences for their students in the second semester of the school year. These innovative projects must be an integral part of the curriculum and must demonstrate excellence in education.
Grants ranging from $500 - $1,000 are awarded by a committee of educational and community leaders. This funding is provided by the McElroy Trust as part of the Excellence in Education Grants Program. It is intended that these grants fund expenses not generally covered by school district budgets. The focus is on innovative educational experiences. The funds may be used for, but not limited to, equipment, materials, supplies, or enrichment learning activities for students. Funds may not be used for teacher salaries or substitute teachers but may be used to pay presenter(s). Funds may not be used to purchase computers. A total of $25,000 will be awarded.
An individual or a team of teachers may submit a grant. No teacher may be involved in more than one project. To be eligible, a teacher must hold a current teaching certificate and must be teaching in a school that is Department of Education approved. AEA 267 serves as fiscal agent for the grants. Curriculum directors and building administrators may not apply for grants.
AEA 267 districts that qualify for this grant are: Aplington-Parkersburg, Cedar Falls, Clarksville, Denver, Dike-New Hartford, Dunkerton, East Buchanan, Gladbrook-Reinbeck, Grundy Center, Hudson, Independence, Janesville, Jesup, Nashua-Plainfield ,North Butler, North Tama, Sumner, Tripoli, Union, Wapsie Valley, Waterloo, Waverly-Shell Rock, Area Education Agency 267 school programs and non-public schools in the former AEA 7 region.
Proposals are submitted by October 19, 2012. Funded grants are announced in December. Funds are used for innovative teacher programs between January and May. Final report is due May 17, 2013.
