Minneapolis Educator Leadership Awards (MELA)

Minneapolis Educator Leadership Awards (MELA)

Creator: John & Denise Graves Foundation in partnership with Educators 4 Excellence

Administrator: Achieve Twin Cities

Geographic Scope: Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS)

Eligibility:

MPS teachers

MPS principals

MPS paraprofessionals

MPS support staff

Award Amount: Up to $10,000 per finalist for an innovative project

Total Program Funding: Up to $75,000 each year to support MPS staff

Purpose: Design creative learning opportunities for students and enhance student learning while creating stronger school communities

Selection Process:

Entirely educator-driven

Candidates nominated by their peers

Finalists selected by a committee of teachers, administrators and support staff who work in MPS schools

Each finalist submits a proposal for an innovative project

Example Projects Funded:

Historical and contemporary indigenous resistance movements project (5th grade)

Scholarships for Spanish immersion trip to Puerto Rico (5th graders)

Parent Advocacy and Education leadership program

Creative writing program with local artists-in-residence and spoken word workshops

Makerspace Cabinet with tools and manufacturing equipment for project-based learning

Contact: Achieve Twin Cities

Phone: 612-455-1530

Address: 404 South 8th Street, Suite 105, Minneapolis, MN 55404