Too Good to Miss!

Now, this is making the most of your summer! The Fund for Teachers awards grants for self-designed programs of summer learning for preK–grade 12 teachers. You submit a proposal explaining how the program would make you a better teacher and how you would implement your new skills in the classroom. Winners have explored Hawaii’s active volcanoes, participated in a study of beluga whales, and trekked across Laos to learn about the Hmong culture. The deadline is January 30, 2009.

Is character education a topic of interest? This program funds the purchase of resource materials, supplies, teacher training, and equipment that facilitates character education for K–12 students. Applications are accepted online only, February 2–27, 2009.

Are you passionate about environmental education? The Richard C. Bartlett Environmental Education Award is given to an outstanding educator who has integrated environmental education into his or her daily education programs. Teachers in grades 5–12 are eligible for the $5,000 award. The deadline is February 13, 2009.

This is just plain fun: students in grades 1­–12 design artwork to be featured on ketchup packets (more than 19 million of them!). Plus, the 12 winners each receive a $1,000 cash prize, and their schools receive a $1,000 award for art supplies, $1,000 worth of Heinz Ketchup, and the winner’s art framed for display. The deadline is February 28, 2009.