GRANTS AND FELLOWSHIPS
Open. Teaching Tolerance.
Grants of up to $2,000 are available to K-12 teachers from the Teaching Tolerance project of the Southern Poverty Law Center. The grants are awarded for activities that promote acceptance of diversity, peacemaking, community service, or other aspects of tolerance education. Requests should include a typed, 500-word description of the activity and the proposed budget. Contact: Teaching Tolerance Grants, 400 Washington Ave., Montgomery, AL 36104.
March 7. Teachers At Sea.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration offers the Teacher at Sea Program. K-12 teachers and college professors work aboard NOAA hydrographic, oceanographic, and fisheries research vessels with scientists and crew. After the program, participating teachers submit a report to NOAA of their work, including a mini-unit of lessons based on their experiences; they also prepare an article for publication or a presentation for an educators’ conference. The program is free, but participants pay transportation fees to the ships’ departure points. Contact: Judy Sohl, Coordinator, Teacher at Sea Program, 1801 Fairview Ave. E., Seattle, WA 98102; (206) 553-2633.
*March 15. Geography.
The National Geographic Society Education Foundation offers about 30 grants of up to $1,250 each to support innovative geography education. Teachers are eligible if they have graduated from summer geography institutes held by the National Geographic Society or a state geographic alliance. Grants are awarded based in large part on whether proposed projects support the implementation of the national geography standards, involve hands-on work and field experiences by teachers and students, stimulate community awareness and participation, or encourage teachers’ professional development in geography. Contact: Christopher Shearer, Program Officer, National Geographic Society Education Foundation, 1145 17th St. N.W., Washington, DC 20036-4688; www.nationalgeographic.com/society/ngo/foundation.
*March 20. Summer Science Workshops.
The Wright Center for Science Education at Tufts University presents free summer workshops for about 180 middle and high school science teachers. Topics include vernal pools, electric vehicles, frontiers in science education, oceanology, art and science, and space science. For more information or an application, contact: Eric Chaisson, Director, Wright Center for Science Education, Tufts University, 4 Colby St., Medford, MA 02155; (617) 628-5000, ext. 5394; fax (617) 627-3995; e-mail echaisso@emerald.tufts.edu; www.tufts.edu/as/wright_center/index.html.
*April-May. Opera.
The Metropolitan Opera Guild seeks applicants for Creating Original Opera, a seven-day summer program designed to help teachers of grades 3-7 use opera and musical theater in their classrooms. Tuition, room, board, supplies, and fees are paid by the program, but there is a $175 fee paid by the schools of participating teachers. Deadlines vary by region: South, April 1; Midwest, April 15; Northeast/International, May 1; West, May 15. Contact: Shellie Bransford, 70 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023; (212) 769-7026; www.operaed.org.
*April 10. Elementary Science Education.
Scholastic Inc. announces the Ms. Frizzle Award, a $10,000 grant to support a hands-on, inquiry-based K-6 science program. The teacher submitting the winning proposal wins $5,000 in cash for the program and $5,000 worth of Scholastic materials. Winners of four honorable-mention awards each receive $500 worth of books, software, and other Scholastic products. For more information, contact: Ms. Frizzle Award, Scholastic Inc., Dept. PR 98, 555 Broadway, New York, NY 10012; (212) 965-7920; www.scholastic.com/magicschoolbus.
*April 15. Leadership.
The National Foundation for the Improvement of Education announces that it will award up to 50 grants annually to public school teachers and support staff through its Leadership Grants Program. The program is designed to help educators deepen their knowledge, improve their teaching skills, and provide leadership in their schools. Winners receive up to $1,000 a year for professional-development activities that focus on students’ needs. Another round of grants will be awarded after an October 15 deadline. For more information and guidelines, contact: National Foundation for the Improvement of Education Leadership Grants, 1201 16th St. N.W., Suite 416, Washington, DC 20036-3207; (202) 822-7840; www.nfie.org.
April 24. Language.
The Center for Applied Linguistics seeks applicants for its 1998 G. Richard Tucker Summer Fellowships. The eight-week fellowships in Washington, D.C., pay a $2,400 stipend and travel expenses of up to $1,000. Fellows work on CAL research or another suitable project suggested by the fellow. Applicants must be enrolled in a U.S. or Canadian master’s or doctoral degree program in a field relating to the study of language; they must also have completed the equivalent of at least one year of full-time graduate study. Fellows are selected based on an application that includes: a research proposal, two letters of recommendation, graduate school academic transcripts, and a writing sample. Priority is given to proposals focusing on language education or on language issues relating to minorities in the United States or Canada. For more information, contact: Grace Burkart, Center for Applied Linguistics, 1118 22nd St. N.W., Washington, DC 20037; (202) 429-9292; e-mail grace@cal.org.
April 30. Graphic Arts.
The Graphic Arts Education and Research Foundation invites graphic arts educators to submit grant proposals for education projects in the graphic-communications field. Typical programs aim to teach students about graphic arts technology and management. Proposals submitted by April 30 are considered for full funding; proposals for grants of up to $2,500 are accepted on a rolling basis. For proposal guidelines, contact: Susan Snow, Graphic Arts Education and Research Foundation, 1899 Preston White Dr., Reston, VA 20191-4367; (703) 264-7200; fax (703) 620-0994; e-mail gaerf@npes.org.
May 1. Mentally Retarded Children.
The Knights of Columbus award Bishop Charles P. Greco Graduate Fellowships for full-time study in a master’s degree program designed to prepare classroom teachers of mentally retarded children. Members of the Knights of Columbus, their immediate families, or the immediate families of deceased members of the Knights are eligible. Applicants submit an autobiographical statement that outlines their interest and experience in working with mentally retarded children, two recommendations from professionals familiar with their work with such children, and undergraduate academic transcripts. Four grants of up to $2,000 are usually awarded. Contact: Committee on Fellowships, Knights of Columbus, P.O. Box 1670, New Haven, CT 06507-0901; (203) 772-2130, ext. 332.
*May 25. Materials Science.
ASM International, a society of metals and materials scientists, will award grants of $500 each to five K-8 teachers. Winners are selected based on two-page proposals describing curriculum-based, hands-on projects that involve student observation, communication, math and science skills, and awareness of materials. Contact: T.K. Glasgow, ASMI, NASA Lewis Research Center, MS 49-1, 21000 Brookpark Rd., Cleveland, OH 44135; (216) 433-5013; fax (216) 433-3680.
HONORS
March 1. Education Leaders.
The McGraw-Hill Companies seek nominations for their 1998 Harold W. McGraw Jr. Prize in Education. Up to three prizes of $25,000 each are awarded to individuals who have made a difference in American education. For more information, contact: Teresa White, Harold W. McGraw Jr. Prize in Education, 1221 Avenue of the Americas, 45th Floor, New York, NY 10020; www.mcgraw-hill.com/corporate/news_info/prize_97/winners/frame.html.
March 20. Awards Program.
The National Association of Secondary School Principals runs the National Association of Student Councils/National Organization on Disability Awards Program, a competition designed to recognize school programs for the disabled. Middle level and high schools in which the student council has helped organize activities involving students with a disabling condition are eligible. One middle school and high school will each receive a $500 award. The competition is supported financially by J.C. Penney Co. and the National Organization on Disability. There is no official application. For specific instructions on how to enter the awards program, contact: National Association of Secondary School Principals, Department of Student Activities-NASC/NOD, 1904 Association Dr., Reston, VA 20191-1537; (703) 860-0200, ext. 325; fax (703) 476-5432; e-mail dsa@nassp.org; www.nassp.org/dsa/dsa_frm.htm.
March 31. Inclusion.
AbleNet Inc., which designs devices to assist people with disabilities, announces its 1998 Inclusion Award. The award recognizes teams of people who demonstrate vision and innovation in using simple technology to make it easier for people with severe disabilities to participate in activities at home, school, work, and in the community. A $500 AbleNet gift certificate and $500 cash will be awarded to each winning team. For more information, contact: AbleNet 1998 Inclusion Award, 1081 10th Ave. S.E., Minneapolis, MN 55414-1312; (800) 322-0956; fax (612) 379-9143.
March 31. New Teachers.
Sallie Mae, the federally chartered college loan group, in conjunction with the American Association of School Administrators, honors first-year elementary and secondary school teachers through its First Class Teacher Awards Program. Superintendents and private school heads are invited to nominate one K-12, first-year teacher. A winner is selected from each state, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. territories. Winners receive a weekend in Washington, D.C., and $1,500. For more information, contact: Sallie Mae, 11600 Sallie Mae Dr., Reston, VA 20193; (703) 810-7158.
April. Social Studies.
The National Council for the Social Studies seeks nominations for its Social Studies Programs of Excellence Awards, sponsored by MetLife Resources, a division of Metropolitan Life Insurance Co. Nominations must be made by NCSS-affiliated state councils. Application deadlines for state nominations vary but are generally in April. Award winners make a presentation at the NCSS annual conference and receive a commemorative gift, some travel assistance for conference presentations, and national recognition. For more information, contact your state NCSS affiliate or the National Council for the Social Studies, 3501 Newark St. N.W., Washington, DC 20016; (202) 966-7840, ext. 106; e-mail excellence@ncss.org.
Mid-April. Cable Television.
Time-Warner Cable announces the Time-Warner Cable National Teacher Awards. Educators from state-accredited private or public U.S. schools in a Time-Warner Cable service area are eligible. Candidates submit examples of activities they have developed that combine cable programming and/or the Internet with innovative teaching. Fifteen teachers or teacher-teams receive $1,000 and a trip to Washington, D.C. For more information, contact your local Time-Warner Cable company or Bonnie Hathaway, Time-Warner Cable, Corporate Communications, 290 Harbor Dr., Stamford, CT 06902; (203) 328-0620; e-mail bonnie.hathaway@twcable.com.
*May 1. Exemplary Biology Teachers.
The National Association of Biology Teachers will name as an Honorary Member an individual who has “achieved distinction in teaching, research, or service in the biological sciences.” The honoree becomes a lifetime member of the NABT and is recognized in NABT publications and at the NABT’s national convention. Nominations may be made by any NABT member and must include a description of the candidate’s qualifications, a detailed biographical summary, and supporting letters from at least nine NABT members. For more information, contact: Sherry Grimm, Awards Manager, National Association of Biology Teachers, 11250 Roger Bacon Dr., #19, Reston, VA 20190-5202; (800) 406-0775; e-mail NABTer@aol.com.
