Innovation Circle Grants | The Next Step for FFT Fellows

Today we open our third year of Innovation Circle Grants specifically for those previously awarded Fund for Teachers grants. Participants dive into one of two topics alongside other FFT Fellows – first individually over the summer, then virtually as a cohort throughout the fall – to create positive change in their classrooms and communities.

Based on input from our Educator Advisory Council and additional FFT Fellows, the 2024 Innovation Circles are:

Advancing Student-Centered Learning and Teachers Shaping the Future of Education.

Topic #1 – Advancing Student-Centered Learning

Due to the success of last year’s Circle with a similar theme, we’re continuing to devote resources to Fellows’  research and implementation of learning informed by students’ heritage, home, and history. What does this mean specifically?

• Have you noticed a pattern of student engagement you want to shift?
• Are students telling you (with words or actions) that they need a change?
• Is your current curriculum feeling estranged and lacking engagement?

As with our fellowship grants, the subject of your learning is up to you; it just needs to be focused on and rooted in your students’ lived experiences.  

Topic #2 – Teachers Shaping the Future of Education

Too often, decisions impacting education fail to entertain teachers’ voices and wisdom. This Circle represents Fund for Teachers’ effort to further empower educators as advocates for themselves and their students. Under the leadership of two nationally recognized thought leaders (who were once teachers themselves), participants this Circle will identify an issue that they want to influence. That issue, however, can range from:

• student-driven concerns;
• school-specific dilemmas (i.e. cell phone use);
• district policies impacting students, teachers and/or families, or;
• state and/or national educational advocacy opportunities.

Ultimately, the purpose of this circle is to help teachers learn how to navigate environments to promote change that will serve your communities. 

Timeline

Now through April 18, FFT Fellows are encouraged to apply for an Innovation Circle grant here. The FFT Fellow facilitators will be announced in mid-March; the new Circle cohorts will be notified on April 29; and checks will be distributed, and virtual orientations held in May.

Fund for Teachers established this secondary grant to support our Fellows who initially took learning into their own hands through a summer fellowship grant. Innovation Circles represent the next step in their journey toward personal and professional evolution. Questions? Contact Liza Eaton at info@fundforteachers.org.