How to Get Funded
Eileen Finkel Innovative Teacher Award Program
Grant cycle | May 15 - October 1
Application Window Opens: May 15
Application Deadline: October 1
Awards Announced: Mid-November
WHAT IS THE EILEEN FINKEL INNOVATIVE TEACHER AWARD GRANT PROGRAM?
The Eileen Finkel Innovative Teacher Award recognizes the creative, innovative, and dedicated efforts of teachers in the Summit School District.
The 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 program supports teachers, administrators and licensed staff and their students across all learning environments in the District’s nine schools.
It is a joint effort by the Education Foundation, each school’s parent-teacher organization (PTA/PTSA/PTO/PTSO), and the Summit School District to fund as many impactful projects as possible.
WHO CAN APPLY?
- Any teacher, principal, administrator or licensed staff member in SSD may apply online between May 15 and Oct 1.
- Only one application per individual teacher or principal for amounts ranging from $100 to $1,500
WHAT TYPES OF REQUESTS ARE ENCOURAGED?
- Projects benefiting multiple students in a classroom, department, grade level or entire school
- Projects that broaden the learning experiences of students and serve as models for other teachers
- Projects that include experiences brought to the school such as authors, musicians, museums, zoos
WHAT TYPES OF REQUESTS ARE DISCOURAGED?
- Projects centered around professional development or basic classroom supplies
- Projects seeking transportation costs
- Technology requests outside of district guidelines or those seeking repairs or replacements
- Requests exceeding $500 for book purchases
WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE CATEGORIES FOR INNOVATIVE PROJECTS?
- Science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and career skill training
- Social studies and languages
- English, literacy, reading, and media
- Fine arts, music, and theater
- Outdoor education, experiential learning, physical education
- Special Education, diverse learners, inclusion efforts
- Guidance and preparation for post-secondary opportunities
HOW AND WHEN WILL DECISTIONS BE MADE?
- In October, all requests will be reviewed by a committee (EFS, PTA/PTSA/PTO/PTSO, and principals).
- In November, teachers and principals will be notified about funding for approved projects.