Weekly Teacher Download for January 7

ALL TEACHERS

HISD Foundation Grant: The HISD Foundation is now accepting applications from teachers and schools for its Innovation Fund program, which provides funds for teachers and schools to develop innovative projects that lead to increased student success. The Foundation will award up to $150,000 through the Innovation Grant, which will allow teachers in grades Pre-K through 12 to apply for a $3,000 – $7,000 grant. Two or more teachers from the same school can also apply for a Teacher Collaborative Grant ranging from $5,000 – $10,000. For more information on the innovation grant, click here. To apply for the grant, teachers and schools can click here. Deadline to apply is January 18.

Shell Science Lab Makeover:Science teachers can apply for the following lab makeovers: The Shell Science Lab Challenge Competition, which recognizes outstanding middle and high school programs for their exemplary approaches to science lab instruction utilizing limited school and laboratory resources. Recognition includes a lab makeover support package valued at $20,000.The Shell Lab Regional Challenge recognizes exceptional and innovative science educators and outstanding K–12 school programs for their exemplary approaches to science lab instruction utilizing limited resources. Recognition includes a lab makeover support package valued at $10,000 for elementary and middle schools, and $15,000 for high schools. Deadline to apply is February 4, 2019 by noon EST.

Civil War Essay Contest: The Civil War Essay Contest through Gilder Lehrman is open for submissions through February 25. The Gilder Lehrman Institute presents an annual essay contest for students in grades fifth through twelfth. Students examine the nation’s most divisive conflict through letters, speeches, songs, photographs, newspapers, military orders, and other documents, conducting research in primary as well as secondary sources. This is a perfect activity for IB, Pre-AP, and AP students. Cash prizes for student applicants. To view the guidelines, click here. There is also a George Washington letter writing contest for kindergarten through second-grade students.

ELEMENTARY

Social Studies and Literacy Summit: The Elementary Curriculum & Development Department invites all pre-k through fifth-grade teachers in content areas of reading/writing and social studies to the Social Studies and Literacy Summit on Saturday, Jan. 12 at the Houston Education Learning Center (10725 Mesa Dr., 77078) from 8 a.m.- 1 p.m. Professional development offerings will include social studies, dual language, ESL and literacy sessions presented by teachers and curriculum and teacher development specialists. Register in OneSource, course #1378001. For more information, click here.

SECONDARY

Public Education Matters Audition: High School Seniors interested in emceeing the annual Public Education Matters Benefit Dinner on March 5 are encouraged to submit an audition via the HUB. The audition will consist of a short video that encompasses ALL of the components listed here and cannot exceed two minutes and 30 seconds. Deadline for all submissions is January 11 and the selected student will be awarded a $2,500 scholarship. Prospective emcees will be judged on speaking ability, creativity, and personality.

CTE STEM Training: Career and Technical Education (CTE) department invites STEM teachers to learn how to prepare for the (CSWA) Certified SolidWorks Associate Exam. This two-day training will take place on January 16 and January 23 from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 pm at Kashmere High School (6900 Wylievale Rd., 77028).  The course is recommended for users who have six to nine months of SolidWorks experience and who have taken the Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced SolidWorks training. Come join us in becoming CSWA certified.

CTE Instructor Training: Career and Technical Education (CTE) teachers are invited to learn about soft skills that employers are looking for in new employees. Hands on activities will focus on everything from proper handshaking to writing a 30-second commercial. The training will be held at Sterling Aviation Early College High School (11625 Martindale, 77048) from 1:30-4 p.m. This course can be implemented with all CTE students.