Rationale

The Gheens Institute for Innovation promotes innovative programs, projects and activities within the Jefferson County Public School (JCPS) District.  The Gheens Institute is currently offering Innovation in Education: Classroom Teacher Mini-Grants to support classroom teachers and/ or teams of teachers who want to “think out of the box.”  These competitive mini-grants will support new innovative projects, activities or programs that move the district’s vision and mission forward in innovative and creative ways.

Awards

The Gheens Institute will award up to fifteen $500 mini-grants annually to projects that promote innovation and creativity in the classroom and support the district’s vision for engaging all students in the learning process.

Award Terms

Monetary awards must be used by the individuals or teams who have an innovative project, activity or program designed for implementation during the 2012-13 school year.  Awards must be spent during the fiscal year in which they are being warded and must be used by the cost center to which the teachers/teachers are assigned at the time of application.

Who Can Participate?

Any classroom teacher and/or team of classrooms teachers currently employed by JCPS may apply.

Application Process

Applications will be available online beginning April 16, 2012.  Completed applications must be submitted by June 1, 2012.Applicants will be notified by June 15, 2012.

Judging Panel

A panel of JCPS stakeholders and community representatives with expertise in curriculum/instruction and the field of innovative practices will review all of the nominations and select the mini-grant awardees..