We are currently accepting proposals for the Eileen Finkel Innovative Teacher Awards. This year, the program will continue to focus on supporting students, teachers, and families in new learning environments that include a continuum of options ranging from in-person learning in the school building to remote learning at home. Applications are due 11:59pm on Wednesday, September 15, 2021.

The awards are available to Summit School District teachers and staff. To learn more and apply please see this info on how to obtain funding.

Awards Help with the New Learning Environment


Last year, teachers and staff applied to EFS for funding with innovative requests that responded to COVID education recovery. Last year’s awards included technology for remote learning, more equipment for career and technology education (CTE) and outdoor education, and culturally responsive literature.
See this complete list of past awards.

The Innovative Teacher Award was created in 2011 to honor Eileen Finkel, a longtime educator, who strongly supported the innovative and creative ideas of teachers that help enrich educational opportunities for children.

The awarded projects can be for a classroom, a whole grade level or a whole department, school, or school district. The program is a collaborative partnership between the Education Foundation, Summit School District, and each school’s parent/teacher organization (PTA/PTSA/PTO/PTSO).

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