Awards and Programs for Teachers

MINI-GRANT PROGRAMS

The Mini-Grant program is the signature program for the Foundation. Each year, teachers from throughout the Bradley County Schools and Cleveland City Schools compete for $500 to $1,000 grants for projects that lend creativity and excitement to their classrooms. Each year, thousands of dollars are awarded dozens of teachers to implement classroom projects in reading, mathematics, writing, technology, science, history, geography, etc. The materials purchased with grant monies can be used year after year, continuing to facilitate learning for an ever-expanding number of students. Donors supporting these grants are paired with teachers and teaching teams to bring to life the effects of their gifts. An annual Reporting and Recognition Luncheon recognizes both donors and Mini-Grant recipients.

NATIONAL BOARD CERTIFICATION FOR TEACHERS
A Proven Way to Make a Difference in the Education of Children

National Board for Professional Teaching Standards is a program begun over 25 years ago-a program initiated by teachers for teachers to develop, recognize and retain our nation's most accomplished educators and improve their overall effectiveness in the classroom.  A set of national standards has been put in place along with a system to certify teachers within 25 teaching fields who meet these rigorous standards.  There are over 82,000 National Board Certified Teachers working in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

TAKE ONE! 

TAKE ONE! Is a unique offering from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) that provides a standards-based approach for improvi ng teaching practice and links student learning to effective instruction. 

TAKE ONE! allows all teachers to sample National Board Certification-not only to improve their teaching practices within their classrooms and schools but also to begin the path toward National Board candidacy, if they choose. 

TAKE ONE! is available to all teachers as well as induction or pre-service teachers, principals, administrators, professors in colleges of education and those who provide support for National Board Certification candidates.  The only requirement is that educators have access to a preK-12 classroom in order to complete the portfolio entry.

The cost of National Board Certification for teachers is very high, both financially ($2565) and in time (at minimum 1 year) to complete the process.  The cost of Take One! is $500 and must be completed over a 3 month period.  Much interest has been generated among the local teachers in spite of the investment required.  The Public Education Foundation's Executive Committee has committed to supporting this program financially.  To this end, Dr. and Mrs. Rick Denning and Dr. and Mrs. Rodney Fitzgerald have seeded a fund designed to initiate support for local teachers who wish to pursue Take One! and/or full certification. 

For more information about the Mini-Grant Program, National Board Certification, and Take One! check out the Foundation's website at http://www.bcpef.org/ .