Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/776907
At left, Kevin Jennings speaks with Ahmad Mixon, and above, conducts Manhood Development class at Montera Middle School. The class is both rigorous and a "brotherhood." Above, Terry Phillips reads; below, Mahda Fallay helps Dwayne Pittman with his tie. Got a Good Idea? Institute for Teaching funds educator innovation Several of the innovators featured in this section are recipients of grants from CTA's Institute for Teaching (IFT ), which annually funds innovative, strength-based projects developed by educators and CTA members. Almost four dozen members received grants for their ideas this year; 28 Impact Grants (up to $20,000) and 19 Educator Grants (up to $5,000) were awarded. Since the program began in 2010, almost $2.3 million in grants has been disbursed. Project subject matter ranged from STEM/ robotics and health and fitness to environmental education and literacy. The deadline for the next round of grant applications is April 30, 2017. All active, dues-paying members of CTA, including pre-Kâ12 teachers, certif- icated support staff, ESP members and college instructors, are eligible to apply. The selection committee looks for projects that improve student achievement, address the needs of diverse or at-risk students, and have multiple partners/stakeholders, along with applicants who can manage the project and share learnings with colleagues. Check out project sum- maries and application materials at teacherdrivenchange.org. Want to see innovation in action â and get help with your idea? Join the Teacher Innovation Expo prior to CTA's Good Teaching Conference South on Friday, March 17, at the Hyatt Regency Orange County. Hear suc- cessful IFT grant recipients discuss their projects, and get insights into the IFT grant-writing and selection pro- cess as well as one-on-one support on grant applications. Call IFT at 619- 683-3990 for more information. 25 January / February 2017