Last winter, on the first of a week of snow days, an email came from our district administration stating that our district had received some extra cash in the form of a PILOT from our local power company. As part of that one-time payment, the district had decided to put iPads in several classrooms as part of a local PHConnectMe! grant. I had yet to shovel the 10 inches of snow from my driveway, and since I had nothing better to do I went ahead and applied. Fortunately, I was one of the teachers who received the grant and thereby the iPads, 125 hours of professional development, and one of the greatest boosts to my career I could imagine.
What did I learn from this? It never hurts to try! The first principal I worked for had a favorite saying whenever we would ask him to take an initiative or idea to central office. He would always smile and say "It never hurts to ask! The worst they will do is say no." I am glad I went for the local grant and, thanks to the resources we were given this week in class, I will continue to try for more technology grants. I currently have a 2:1 student to iPad ratio, which is amazing. However, my goal is to eventually get my classroom to a 1:1 ratio.
A colleague of mine has successfully used http://www.donorschoose.org/, albeit for a smaller project. She has had nothing but good things to say about the project and website, and it is one resource I am considering. Another resource I have found is the Pitsco/Hearlihy/FTEE grant at http://www.iteea.org/Awards/granthearlihy.htm. It looks like I have to have a membership to the organization to apply, but it is around $65. To me, that may be well worth it to get a $2,000 grant.
I have big dreams for my kids, and I need help to reach those dreams. With persistence, I am sure I will get the assistance to fund those goals.
I completely agree with your philosophy. Hearing "no" may hurt for a moment, but at least there is the possibility you will hear "yes". It sounds like you have found some great potential resources. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteCool stuff on you being awarded those iPads for your students. What a tremendous resource this must be for both you and your students. I do like that saying, "the worst they can say is no" which is so very true. My hope is to successfully write a grant which will give my students their own graphing calculator instead of me simply having a classroom set. Keep dreaming big with the hope of reaching those dreams, I know I will.
ReplyDeleteFantastic to hear you've already had success with grants! I'm sure that many of us have the notion that "Yes, someday I'll try writing a grant proposal." but that someday never comes for most. I too have often used the quote "The worst they can say is no" and when you look at the idea from that perspective, you have to wonder why more of us don't at least try. Keep doing the great work for your students!
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