Teacher Incentive
Program Guidelines

The Teacher Incentive Program is a means of providing financial assistance to teachers who wish to explore new and creative ways of incorporating the arts into the non-arts curriculum of a classroom. Projects may involve the visual arts, poetry/fiction writing, performing arts, architecture, folk arts, or any combination of artistic disciplines.  

Deadlines (submitted date)

• April 1 (for projects occurring between July 1 and June 30 of the upcoming school year)
• November 1 (for projects occurring between January 1 and June 30 of that school year)

Grant Amount

• The maximum grant is $300. No match is required. 

General Guidelines  

• If a grant is awarded, payment will be made on a reimbursement basis to the school after the funded activity is completed and a satisfactory final report has been submitted. 
• Grantees will agree to allow the North Dakota Council on the Arts to publicize and disseminate any information resulting from the funded project.

Requirements

• Teachers may receive no more than one Teacher Incentive Grant per school semester.
• Teachers may team-teach projects, but each teacher must submit an individual application.
• If this application is part of a whole school project, describe activities that will be incorporated in individual grade levels.
• Project descriptions must be specific and complete.
• Projects must specify which North Dakota Content Standards are being addressed (www.dpi.state.nd.us).

Eligible Activities

• Arts supplies and materials for the project described in the proposal.
• Consumable supplies that directly relate to the specified arts project/activity.
• Arts consultants or artists.

If teachers are collaborating with other teachers to bring in an artist, preference will be given to applications where the artist remains in the school for three consecutive days or less. If a longer exposure to the artist is desired, refer to the Artist-in-Residence Program.

Ineligible Activities

• Costs related to non-arts field trips.
• Costs related to school lyceums.
• Most costs related to permanent equipment (computers, cameras, scanners, etc).
• Previously funded projects.
• Costs related to social entertainment and reception expenses.
• Costs related to prizes and awards.

Eligible Applicants

Any certified pre-school through grade 12 teacher employed by North Dakota educational institutions which are in compliance with the Civil Rights Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act may apply.

Review Criteria

• Degree project integrates the arts into the non-arts curriculum.
• Creativity and innovation of the project.
• Clarity of explanation on how the arts project will be integrated with the curriculum/unit of study. 
• Realistic budget; appropriateness of amount requested and allocated to support stated goals and objectives.
• Quality and effectiveness of proposed evaluation procedures.

Application Procedure

• To apply for the Teacher Incentive grant complete the checklist.
• Complete all application requirements in full and send required documentation it to the NDCA office by the appropriate deadline.

Details are important when preparing the required one-page itemized project budget. Be sure to itemize the projected expenses.

DON'T

• Quilting Project $30

          DO

• Quilting Project $30
  Fabric (4 yards @ $5) $20.00
  Thread (2 spools @ $1) $2.00
  Needles (15 @ $.10) $1.50
  Batting $26.50

Project Evaluation

Evaluation is an integral part of every project's effectiveness. To begin an evaluation process, isolate distinct elements for evaluation: the arts integration planning process, student learning, etc. Assessments can be done through a variety of techniques ranging from informal to structured (i.e., teacher journals, observation, portfolios, pre and post testing).

Final Report

Final reports must be submitted within 30 days of completion of the activity. Report forms will be provided at the time of the award.

Award Notice

Notification of awards will be made approximately 45 days after the deadline. Applicants will receive an Award Notice, Contract, Request for Funds form, Final Report form, and the Council on the Arts logo slicks.

Grant funds are distributed upon receipt of a satisfactory final report. Grant payments are made according to the General Policy on Requesting Funds.

Credit Line

All publicity materials and programs for supported events must contain the Council on the Arts' logo and the credit line:

This activity is supported in part by a grant from the North Dakota Council on the Arts, which receives funding from the state legislature and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Assistance

Contact the Arts in Education Director at lehreth@nd.gov or 701-328-7593 with any questions.