GM and Discovery Education Team Up to Award Teachers
DETROIT (Mar. 5, 2008) — Encouraging 21st century educators to LIVE GREEN—sustaining the planet’s resources, utilizing new conservation methods, reducing their carbon footprint and that of their students, their classrooms, their school—is at the heart of a new grant opportunity presented by GM and Discovery Education. By embracing new and emerging technologies and as stewards of the next generation, teachers are uniquely positioned to instill in their students excitement and optimism about the future of our planet.
How do I apply for a Live Green Teacher Grant?
Complete an application online at:
www.discoveryeducation.com/livegreen
Who is eligible to apply for a Live Green Teacher Grant?
Public middle and jr. high school teachers who are 18 years of age and older and who are employed as teachers in accredited public middle and junior high schools in the United States containing any class with students from Grade 5 through Grade 9.
What types of ideas will be awarded Live Green Teacher Grants?
In general terms, winning grants will improve instruction, identify and show best practices, and enhance student achievement.
More specifically, Live Green Teacher Grants will be awarded to teachers who inspire their students to learn about and embrace green technologies – in support of “living green.”
What are the goals of the Live Green Teacher Grants program?
We aim to recognize outstanding teachers who are implementing innovative ideas.
We expect the promotion of winning ideas to inspire fellow teachers to improve science instruction.
We expect winning ideas to give students hands-on exposure to environmental and energy areas.
What specifically must be included on the Live Green Teacher Grant application?
There are three steps to completing the Live Green Teacher grant:
- Choose your subject area(s): Science, Math, English/Language Arts, Art, Music
- Draft your essay: “How will you advance your student’s learning about sustaining resources through the use of new and emerging technologies?"
- Environment: water, electricity, fossil fuels
- Renewable energy initiatives: wind, solar, bio-fuels, geothermal and waste heat, hydrogen energy, cleaner coal
- Your (750 words or less) essay should consider these questions:
- How will you approach the problem to make a difference?
- Can this project or idea scale to an entire school, district/community, or even across the country to make a big difference?
- How you will use the $1,000 in your school or classroom?
- Follow the prompts to submit your completed application. You’ll have the option to edit, save and return to your application prior to your final submission.
Select from two focus areas:
How will Live Green Teacher Grants be judged?
When all applications are received, a panel of judges from Discovery Education and community leaders will consider three areas:
- Content (50%)
- Originality / creativity of your idea: (30%)
- Adherence to contest parameters: (20%)
These key criteria will be considered:
- Essays should demonstrate creativity, possess a visionary quality, and model a novel way of presenting environmental and energy concepts.
- Projects suggested or described for the classroom should promote exciting and innovative activities that motivate students.
- Incorporating new and emerging technologies should be at the forefront of a teacher’s plan to use the grant in her school.
Are home-school teachers (or teachers other than public middle school teachers) eligible to apply for a Live Green Teacher Grant?
No. Not at this time.
When are Live Green Teacher Grants being accepted?
February 25, 2008 – May 15, 2008.
When will Live Green Teacher Grants be judged?
May 16th 2008 – June 6th 2008
When will Live Green Teacher Grants be announced?
On or about June 9th 2008 we will begin to notify winners.
How many Live Green Teacher Grants will be awarded?
Forty grants will be awarded.
What do recipients of Live Green Teacher Grants receive?
Cash prize:
Forty winning teachers will receive $1,000 for implementation of their winning project.
Professional development:
Further, forty winners will be invited to an exciting web-delivered professional development program, tailored to cover school-specific green initiatives. As part of the webinar series, each grant recipient will receive a free digital camera which she/he will use to document her experience.
