NYS PTA’s grant gives innovative teachers the opportunity to put their ideas into action. It is awarded to worthy projects that significantly influence student learning. Grants may aim to introduce something new or provide enhancements to a current program, and project should be inclusive; not limited to a subset of students within a class or grade level.

2023 Innovative Teach Grant application is CLOSED

Applicant Criteria

  • Applicants must be a PK-12 classroom teacher or special area teacher in a NYS public school or BOCES.

  • Each NYS PTA/PTSA/SEPTA (in good standing) may submit up tp two (2) grant applications.

Funds can be used for things such as: enrichment of curriculum, experiential or hands-on learning, or innovative programs which will directly or indirectly benefit students.

Examples: Building a classroom library; fostering a home–school partnership; improving reading and writing in authentic literacy contexts; bringing arts into the classroom; hands on science programming; mindfulness and mental health initiatives.

Applications will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

  2. Clarity: are there clear and specific goals?
  3. Relevance: is the project age appropriate?
  4. Scope: is the project inclusive of all children within the classroom, school or community?
  5. Impact: will the project have a lasting benefit within the classroom, school or community?
  6. Originality: is the proposed project creative and innovative?

Grants will be awarded at $400, and funds must be spent on the items proposed in the original application.

Grants will not be awarded for the following:

    • Personal computers, laptops and desktops, tablets, printers, scanners and/or other hardware

    • Fees or travel associated with conferences, workshops or competitions

    • Travel associated with field trips

    • Promotional materials (example, t-shirts)

    • Personal use

    • Facilities improvement, permanent fixtures, hardware or curriculum that should be provided by the School District

Timeline:

    • Applications Due February 15, 2023
    • Winners notified: TBD

2023 Winners:

Laura Dunham/Melissa Knight- Springs School PTA (Suffolk)

Michael Birnbaum- Babylon Jr-Sr High School PTSA (Suffolk)

CarolAnne Weik- Willow Road PTA (Nassau)

Leah Kukla- Seaford Manor PTA (Nassau)

Kaitlynn Rousas- Meadow Drive PTA (Nassau)

William Luzzi- Lynbrook High School PTA (Nassau)

Laren Farsetta- Jesse J. Kaplan School PTA (Central Hudson)

Rhonda Owens- Arlington High School PTSA (Taconic)

Tracey Rancourt- Arlington High School PTSA (Taconic)

Amanda Clemenza- Union Vale Middle School PTA (Taconic)

#GivingTuesday to Fund Innovative Teacher Grant

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