Best of the Web: Summer Program Grants

Periodically we compile a list of the best of what's out there on the Internet for teachers. The current edition highlights Summer Program Grants. Check back soon for the next "Best of the Web." If you would like to suggest a topic, please email us at info@teacherscount.org.

View the Best of the Web Archive for past resources, including lesson plans, employment listings, technology in the classroom, and many more.

Summer Program Grants

Special Education

Heartspring presents the Heartspring Award for Innovation and Creativity in Special Education. Award recipients receive a cash grant, a sculpture, and an expense-paid trip to attend the Heartspring Award for Innovation and Creativity in Special Education Summer Session in Wichita, Kansas.

Holocaust Education

The Museum Teacher Fellowship Program is developing a national corps of skilled secondary school educators to serve as leaders in Holocaust education in their schools, communities, and professional organizations. Each year, up to 15 educators who can demonstrate extensive knowledge of Holocaust history, successful teaching experience, and participation in community and professional organizations are chosen as fellows. Those chosen attend an expenses-paid, five-day summer institute at the museum in Washington, D.C.

Korean Studies

The Korea Society, with support from the Korea and Freeman foundations, awards up to 21 fellowships for American educators to travel to Korea in the summer. Fellows study the country’s history, economics, language, and other topics.

Humanities

The National Endowment for the Humanities sponsors 14 summer seminars and 14 institutes in the United States and abroad for full-time K-12 teachers. Seminars and institutes engage teachers in the study of humanities topics such as the Lewis and Clark Expedition, George Washington and his legacy, Mozart, Chaucer, Shakespeare, Jazz, and the U.S. Civil War. Participants receive stipends ranging from $1,800 to $4,200 to help cover travel, books, and other research and living expenses.

United States Institute of Peace – Summer Institute for Secondary Teachers

This summer institute is especially designed to enhance substantive expertise and teaching skills for high school social studies teachers. Through a competitive process, approximately 25 teachers are selected each year from across the U.S. to travel to Washington, D.C., for a week-long seminar during the summer. Seminar topics explore the sources and responses to international conflict and demonstrate teaching strategies that reflect the best current practice in the field.

Barringer Research Fellowship for Teachers of American History

The Thomas Jefferson Foundation presents the Barringer Fellowship for Teachers of American History, which is designed to provide individual teachers an opportunity to research and study at Monticello and the Jefferson Library. Fellowship recipients spend two weeks in independent research and consultation with Monticello scholars on projects that relate directly to Thomas Jefferson and that will enhance their classroom presentations.

Independent Schools

The Esther and Joseph Klingenstein Center at Teachers College, Columbia University, offers the Joseph Klingenstein Fellows Program to K-12 educators with five or more years’ experience at an independent school that has a nondiscriminatory admissions policy. Up to 12 full fellowships— including tuition, stipends, and housing allowances—are awarded. Participants study leadership and education development for one semester or one year. Teachers with two to five years’ experience are offered fellowships at the Klingenstein Summer Institute, which pays for four graduate credits and room and board.

Academic Program Links

SummerMath for Teachers at Mt. Holyoke

An introductory institute is offered for teachers of grades K-8 each summer. The focus of the institute is on integrating the teaching of mathematics and science.

Travel

Earthwatch Institute

The Earthwatch Institute offers the opportunity to work directly with scientists on conservation research around the globe. Educator fellowships are available.

Costa Rica for Educators

The July Educator's Journey is a discounted trip for teachers to explore the wonders, challenges and solutions of Costa Rica. Deepen your knowledge of Biology, Spanish and Environmental Science through education and adventure with fellow teachers. Delve into Caribbean indigenous culture, hike through primary rainforest and explore the magical possibilities of Costa Rica.

Outward Bound Summer Programs for Educators

Educators are eligible to attend a Mountaineering course or the 7-day Educators' course, which focuses on bringing the theory and practice of experiential education into the classroom. Teachers must be at least 23 years-old and returning to teach at the same school from which they applied. Scholarships are available for eligible educators who demonstrate an active interest in transferring the lessons learned through Outward Bound back to their schools.