Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/830448
IFT Sees Big Jump in Interest A record 129 CTA members applied for grants from CTA's Institute for Teaching (IFT ) for the 2017-18 school year — the largest number of applications in the eight years of the program and an increase of 31 percent over last year 's total. The grants, which include Educator Grants up to $5,000 and Impact Grants up to $20,000, fund teachers' innovative instructional projects that need a monetary boost to launch. Two-time grant recipient Bill Shively, a math teacher at Willows Intermediate School north of Sacramento, takes students on overnight canoeing trips to develop their self- regulation skills. "Outdoor experience promotes peer relations, identity, belonging, competence and autonomy, all of which are foundational to their emotional intelligence," he says. Student, parent and community enthusiasm has allowed Shively 's program to be writ- ten into the school district's LCAP, with a small amount of funding provided. Other IFT projects have received LCAP support, and have had a similar impact on students and schools. "IFT has been so impressed with the creativity and passion of our members," says Dick Gale, IFT manager and program director. " Their determination to discover strength-based solutions for their students has enabled the program to make a positive difference in many local school communities." IFT grants are funded by voluntary dues contributions from CTA members. All mem- bers are eligible to apply for a grant. Learn more at teacherdrivenchange.org. Join the conversation at #CTAIFT. Love Your ESP Cindi Lunsford from Mariposa School of Global Education holds up CTA's 2017 ESP Day poster. Lunsford is a special education paraprofessional and secretary of the Las Virgenes Classified Association (and serves on LVCA's negotiating team). On the support CTA and LVCA offer: "I like having something bigger than just me as an individual looking out for students, schools and the people who work in them." We appreciate Lunsford and all ESP colleagues every day, not just on May 23. #CaliforniaESP. Steele Canyon Speaks Up Steele Canyon High School, a charter school in Spring Valley, San Diego County, received an award in March for its efforts to encourage teens to speak up when they recognize signs of an individual who may be a threat. The Best Overall School Award was presented by the nonprofit group Sandy Hook Promise for the school's participation during "Say Something Call to Action Week," an annual event that stresses prevention of violence and bullying before they happen. Students created posters, produced videos, and made wristbands that read "Say some- thing," among other activities. Sandy Hook Promise was co-founded by Nicole Hockley, whose son was killed in the 2012 school shooting in Newtown, Con- necticut. Hockley presented Steele Canyon with the award and a check for $2,500. Join the conversation at #SaySomething. Students at Willows Intermediate School with their custom canoe paddles used for teacher Bill Shively's canoe adventure program, funded by IFT. 10 cta.org news & notes in the know