The Foundation has developed two grant programs through which we aim to achieve our stated goals: Open Grants and Grants-to-Educators. These are unique programs with different application procedures.
Beginning in 2012, the Foundation will support grants in two grant categories: Excellent Teaching and Deep Learning. A description of each Grant Category follows.
- Excellent teachers are those who are intellectually curious and interested in rich content in the academic disciplines.
- Excellent teachers nurture curiosity in their students.
- Excellent teachers are deeply committed to advancing their professional knowledge and expertise.
- Excellent teachers demonstrate dedication to the art and science of teaching as a profession.
Download a Detailed Chart Explaining Excellent Teaching (PDF)
Deep learning refers to the development of critical thinking skills such as reasoning, problem solving, intellectual openness, practical application of learning, and inquisitiveness.
- Students should master key skills including writing, research-mindedness, and complex core content in mathematics, science, social studies, language arts, and world languages.
- Students should become globally competent, deepen their knowledge of the arts, develop computer and information technology skills, and be capable communicators.
The Foundation challenges teachers, administrators, and non-profit staff members to enhance students’ intellectual curiosity, promote resilience and persistence, design new assessment tools, and encourage self-directed learning.
Download a Detailed Chart Explaining Deep Learning (PDF)
Preference for consideration will be given to grant proposals reflecting one or more of the following characteristics:
- The proposal makes a clear connection to an ongoing environment of excellent teaching and/or deep learning in contrast to isolated experiences. Examples of these environments include individual classes, individual schools, school systems virtual learning, and supplementary programs sponsored by non-profit organizations.
- The proposal includes plans to broaden its impact by sharing “lessons learned” with colleagues in other classes, building, school districts, or organizations.
- The proposal addresses sustainability, indicating how the work proposed in the grant will be incorporated into the ongoing life of the school, the classroom, or the program.
- The program targets underserved populations.
- The program involves collaboration with other organizations with goals similar to those of the Foundation.
- The proposal is related to and evolves out of participation in one of the Foundation’s annual programs and/or workshops.
Jennings Educators Institute
In September 2010, the Foundation’s Board made the decision to replace the Jennings Scholar Lecture Program with the Jennings Educators Institute. Its purpose is to motivate, recognize, and develop the classroom leadership capabilities of high-quality educators and include more theme-related content in its programming. The Institute will focus on the intersection of solid curriculum, quality instruction, and sound assessment practices. Each participant is required to read a few articles prior to each session and, hopefully, will attend as a member of a school district or building team. The Foundation is excited about this professional development opportunity and encourages former Jennings Scholars, teams of educators, and individuals to apply.
The first Institute was held in 2010 at Kent State University. The 2011 Institute, titled Teacher Effectiveness to the Nth Power: Moving from “Good to Great”, is being held at Capital University in Columbus on the following Saturdays: September 17, October 15, and November 12.
2011 Educators Institute
Session 1: Effectiveness Primed: Solid Curriculum
Session 2: Effectiveness Squared: Quality Instruction
Session 3: Effectiveness Cubed: Sound Assessment and Highly Effective Practices
The following professional educators facilitated the sessions:
Dr. James Connell, Assistant Professor, Ursuline College and Retired Superintendent, Berea City Schools
Dr. Thomas Lasley, Executive Director, Learn to Earn and Former Dean of Education at The University of Dayton
Dr. James Mahoney, Executive Director, Battelle for Kids
2012 Educators Institute
The 2012 Institute will be held at The University of Dayton next fall. It will be limited to 100 participants from the southeastern Ohio region. Superintendents are notified in the spring prior to that year’s Institute for nominations.
Jennings Summer Mathematics Institutes
The Jennings Summer Mathematics Institutes are designed to address the need for high quality mathematics teachers in the intermediate and high school grades. Designed as two-day summer workshops, one for grades 6-8 and another for grades 9-12, teachers learn valuable strategies they can put to use immediately in their classrooms. Participants must be nominated by their superintendents. Letters regarding the Institutes are sent out in the spring to selected districts.