Sewickley Academy

Grants for Innovative Frameworks in Teaching (G.I.F.T)

(Funded through the generosity of the Sewickley Academy Home and School Association)

 

Project Description:

 

Teachers frequently have ideas for projects or teaching strategies that move beyond the original conceptual framework of their courses.  A great teacher recognizes and seizes opportunities that present themselves as a result of any number of classroom variables that can’t be predicted.  Often the variables are generated from “students who stumble across a real idea” or the dynamic of a particular group or an individual student who brings an unexpected insight into a discussion.  Ideas also ignite through the dynamic of professional conversations, where the seeds of interdisciplinary and collaborative projects might be generated through unexpected synergy of the moment.  Great teachers recognize those moments and often follow on with a “what if we could do XXX …”, only to find that the schedule, or competing priorities or lack of funding or a combination present insurmountable barriers.  G.I.F.T., a project developed collaboratively with the Home and School Association and the teachers and administrators of the Academy, is designed to provide teachers with a mechanism that will allow them to seize unexpected opportunities for innovative, interdisciplinary projects, especially where collaboration and experiential learning are the focus, and which allow student learning to soar above and beyond daily classroom practice and experience.  There are no limits on the kinds of requests considered, but projects or purchases whose focus is highly collaborative and/or interdisciplinary and engage students in inquiry-based learning are strongly encouraged.

 

Project Funding:  approximately $3,500 for a single project, but teachers who might need funding beyond the $3,500 and are able to justify the additional money needed, are welcome to apply.

 

Application process:

·         Academy teachers, may apply for funding on the Academy web site at http://intranet.sewickley.org/hsa/gift/.

·         Please note that the project description may not exceed 300 words.

·         Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and acted on within three school days.

·         Prior consultation with the Division Head is required before an application can be submitted.

·         Applications will be assessed according to the following criteria:

o   Innovation

o   Collaboration

o   Interdisciplinary approaches

o   Impact on students

o   Level of experiential student engagement

 

Upon completion of the project, teachers will be expected to write a reflection piece for the web or other publication. 

 

 

Questions about the process should be directed to the Head of School.