Fund for Teachers is a foundation whose mission is to enrich the lives of schoolteachers and students by providing outstanding teachers with recognition and opportunities for summer learning and exploration. Making a difference one teacher at a time, Fund for Teachers provides funds for direct grants to teachers to support professional development opportunities of their own design.

Fund for Teachers grants are awarded to teachers who work with students in grades K - 12 and have a minimum of three years teaching experience. Participants are selected based on how their proposed summer activity will make the applicant a better teacher, how improved skills and capacity will be implemented in the classroom and how his or her improved skills or capacity will benefit his or her students, curricula and school.

Unique learning experiences funded by Fund for Teachers have included everything from exploring active volcanoes in Hawaii to participating in a hands-on study of Beluga whales to trekking across Laos to learn about the Hmong culture to sharpening Spanish skills in Guatemala.

Between 1998 and 2004, 1,015 Fellows from 224 different schools from 103 eligible towns and cities participated in programs and traveled in 45 countries on six continents. For summer 2005, Fund for Teachers awarded grants to 380 teachers from 222 different schools.

Teacher testimonials as well as comments from supervisors and peers provide proof that the Fund for Teachers is achieving its goal of enriching teachers' lives in ways which impact students on a daily basis. Many have absorbed or acquired in-depth experience, hands-on materials and information that can be used the classroom over many years. Some find that simply being placed in a learning position once again helps them to better motivate their students to value learning, adventure and discovery.

For several years Fund for Teachers grants were available in Oklahoma only to teachers in the Tulsa area. Now, Fund for Teachers grants are open to all Oklahoma teachers who have at least three years' teaching experience, are full-time school employees and spend at least 50 percent of their time in a classroom setting.

Individual teachers can apply for as much as $5,000 through the program. Teams of teachers can apply for a maximum of $7,500. As part of the application process, teachers must submit a written proposal and an itemized budget.

Applicants are selected to receive grants based on how their proposed summer activity will enhance their teaching skills and better the education of their students.

Grant applications must be postmarked no later than midnight on Jan. 20.

For more information, please visit the Fund for Teachers website.

Fund for Teachers home page

List of 2005 Oklahoma grant winners

Testimonials

Frequently Asked Questions