Circles are a powerful metaphor for our Fund for Teachers learning experiences. If you imagine a group of people standing in a circle, the shape itself is an equalizing force – no one person is in front or behind. Instead, everyone stands on equal footing. Fellows will take the lead, facilitating the circle and sharing practice. Each Fellow is valued for the expertise they bring, and their presence is necessary to keep the circle whole.
Innovation Circles are virtual opportunities for Fund for Teachers Fellows to deepen learning around a chosen topic to refine and reimagine teaching and learning in their schools. With a $1,000 grant, and an additional $500 available for implementation, participants will research, design, and test a solution to a “sticky” problem of practice alongside Fellows also grappling with similar issues. You will still design your own professional learning, but you will also engage with thought-partners to help you think outside the box.
Innovation Circle Grant applications are accepted March 2 to April 20, 2023. To learn more about this opportunity, and start your application, visit fft.fundforteachers.org
As an experienced teacher, centering students is probably not new to you; however, making it happen at a time of intense pressure and mandated curriculum is big work! To be student centered is to organize the curriculum, teaching practices, and classroom structures in ways that affirm students’ interests, assets, abilities, and needs. With this grant, you don’t need to innovate in all these areas; choose something focused and strategic that you think might help you change students’ experience in affirming ways.
Need help envisioning what this might look like? Click here for a list of possible questions and topics.