Grants for a Classroom Teacher

Grants for teachers can help pay for equipment and supplies for a classroom.

Teaching can be an expensive profession in that teachers get very little money for classrooms, curriculum needs and supplies. Many teachers get a small lump sum when they start teaching and then a smaller amount in following years to purchase classroom supplies. This hardly covers decorations, books, paper, art supplies, prizes, posters or other things a teacher needs. A large number of grants are available to help offset the teacher's cost of setting up a welcoming classroom and building a strong curriculum.

Improving Students' Understanding of Geometry Grant

This grant, geared toward geometry and mathematics teachers, is meant to help them develop curriculum that can better engage students in the study of geometry while increasing their comprehension of the subject. The maximum award of $4,000 is available to teachers in pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. Teachers can creatively connect geometry with art, music, architecture, nature, literature, biology, technology or other areas to broaden a student's studies. Teachers must submit proposals covering their plans for teaching geometry, the applicability of the material, the planned project activities and the goals for student learning.

Mathematics Education Trust at NCTM

1906 Association Drive

Reston, VA 20191

Kids in Need Foundation

The Kids in Need Foundation offers grants to teachers who work with students from kindergarten through 12th grade. The grants help finance creative classroom projects through purchasing supplies, helping with curriculum development and funding field trips. Up to 300 teachers receive grants annually in amounts ranging from $100 to $500. Major retail sponsors and credit unions from a revolving list fund the grant, so pick up the application from the sponsor's local branch or download it from the website.

Kids in Need Foundation Grants

3077 Kettering Blvd., Suite 114

Dayton, OH 45439

937-296-1230

[e-mail]

Jordan Fundamentals Grant

The Jordan Fundamentals Grant program serves teachers who work with underprivileged or disadvantaged youth. It recognizes and aids creative and thematic curriculum development and instruction for teachers in first through 12th grade. At least 50 percent of a school's student body must be eligible for free or reduced-price lunches to qualify. Four hundred $2,500 awards are available. Teachers can spend the money on supplies, classroom resources, software, field trips or anything else related to the curriculum. Deadline for applications is in April every year.

Jordan Fundamentals Grant

P.O. Box 190556

Boston, MA 02119

1-877-266-8640

[e-mail]

Fund for Teachers Award

The Fund for Teachers Award is a different kind of grant in that its purpose is not directly related to classroom supplies but to teacher enrichment through self-designed professional development. It enables teachers in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade to plan a research trip, attend a conference or do anything else enriching that a teacher can design and request. The award offers up to $5,000 for individuals and up to $10,000 for teams. All activities must take place during the summer and must relate to using the experience to make a difference in the classroom.

Fund for Teachers

2000 Post Oak Blvd., Suite 100

Houston, TX 77056

[phone]

[e-mail]

References

• Improving Students' Understanding of Geometry Grant
• Kids in Need Foundation
• Jordan Fundamentals Grant
• Fund for Teachers Award

Resources

• Teacher's Network: Grants
• Teacher's Count: Grants