Innovative Teaching Grants

Geographic Scope: Temple Independent School District (TISD), Temple, TX

Program Overview:
The TEF Innovative Teaching grant program is a hallmark of the Temple Education Foundation, supporting TISD teachers for 30 years by encouraging them to dream big for their classrooms. The program serves as a launching pad for teachers to try out innovative teaching ideas that otherwise might be impossible.

Funding Information:

• Award Amount: Up to $5,000 per grant
• Annual Funding: 60% of general funds raised each year go towards TEF's innovative teaching grants program
• Historical Awards: Over $56,000 in 2019; over $56,000 in 2018; over $23,000 in spring 2022; over $64,000 for 2023-2024 school year

Eligible Applicants:

• TISD staff and teachers across all grade levels (Pre-K through High School)
• CTE (Career and Technical Education) department staff
• Teachers from all 9 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, Temple High School, and other TISD campuses

Focus Areas:

• Classroom innovation and technology integration
• Project-based learning initiatives
• Cross-curricular projects
• Teacher professional development
• Special education and inclusive learning
• Science education
• Welding/CTE programs
• Band and music programs
• Arts and graphic design
• Athletic training and health/safety awareness

Contact Information:

• Phone: (254) 215-6125
• Address: 401 Santa Fe Way, Temple, TX 76501
• Website: templeeducationfoundation.org

Evaluation Criteria

• Innovation and creativity in teaching methods and classroom activities
• Ability to engage students of varied backgrounds and abilities
• Cultivation of joy of learning and critical thinking
• Clear implementation plan and sustainability strategy

How to Apply

Application Process:

1. Complete the online Teaching Grant Application form
2. Access the application through the TEF website
3. Monitor your application status through the Grant Application Inbox

Required Application Fields:

• Grant Title
• Contact Person Name (First and Last)
• Contact Person TISD Email (for all notifications)
• Name of Applicant(s)
• School(s) or Department (dropdown selection)
• Grade(s) Taught
• Subject(s)
• Approximate Number of Students Directly Impacted
• Technology requirement (Yes/No)
• Technology Department conversation date (if applicable)

Required Application Narrative:

• Brief summary of the Innovative Teaching Grant
• Detailed list of items to be purchased with quantities and costs
• Vendor information/website/representative contact
• Implementation plan: How you plan to implement the grant into your daily classroom (list resources, steps, and activities)
• Sustainability plan: If your grant has recurring yearly costs, explain how it will be funded in the future

Application Requirements:

• Do not include tax in total amount
• Total cost should not exceed $5,000
• Apply online through the TEF website

Application Format:

• Online form submission
• Record 86 applicants in 2018 using new online system