As mentioned in the department’s inaugural December 2021 newsletter for teachers, the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction will be soliciting proposals from North Dakota teachers that encourage innovation in our classrooms. Over the next two and a half years of the ESSER funding period, the department will fund one innovative proposal each quarter submitted by a North Dakota teacher. Teachers currently employed by public LEAs are eligible to receive funding.
Teacher Innovation Grant Application Guidance
Overview
The Teacher Innovation Grant supports innovative and creative teaching and learning projects for North Dakota licensed teachers working in North Dakota public schools. The intent of the grant is to support proactive teaching approaches that integrate new instructional strategies and methods in the classroom. These projects are new to the teachers and students involved and will transform learning in specific and viable ways. We are interested in projects that enhance curriculum and/or community at the school, grade, or department in which they are implemented.
Who is Eligible to Apply?
North Dakota licensed teachers who work in North Dakota public schools may apply for these grants. Prior recipients of the grant are not eligible to reapply. Individual teachers or collaborative teams including two or more teachers may apply. If a team applies, an individual must be identified as the primary contact. Guidance counselors may apply for a grant if the project will benefit students in the classroom.
Funding
The department has reserved up to $10,000 per quarter to be awarded to one or more applicants.
Key Application Guidelines
- All applications must include assurance of school administration approval.
- Grant applications may include some professional development and training.
- Grants may not be used to fund food items or videos unless they are an integral part of the innovative program.
- All expenditures will be managed through the district.
- The project must be completed and have all expenditures recorded by June 30, 2024.
- A final reflection on the project and documentation of all expenditures is required.
- Information about the grant projects and recipients will be published on the grant webpage.
Deadline to Apply
Apply by April 26, 2023.
Review of Applications
A team will review all applications using the attached rubric to guide the evaluation process.
Application and Evaluation Timeline
Responses to application items must be clear and concise and address all topics on the submission form. Information on whom the program will benefit, why the project is valuable to students, how it will be implemented, what is particularly innovative, and when the project will be completed.
Timeline
- Submission: Applications are due by April 26, 2023, via the electronic application.
- Review: Proposals are presented to the Teacher Innovation Grant Review Committee.
- Announcement: Awards are announced on May 3, 2023.
- Funding: Grant funds are available May 3, 2023.
- Expenditures: Funds expended by June 30, 2024.
- Final Reflection: Use the approved form and submit it by June 30, 2024.
GRANT REQUIREMENTS
Grant Criteria
- Demonstrate a strong justification.
- Include evidence of innovative teaching.
- Ability to be replicated, shared, or adopted beyond the initial setting.
- Include evidence of research-based or scientifically based that supports the project (as applicable).
- Contain a thoughtful and reasonable budget.
- Alignment with school and district goals.
- Principal or district administrator approval.
Allowable Costs
- Materials or supplies directly related to the development or implementation of the proposal.
- Registration or admission fees for professional development.
- Resources to support the implementation of a new course.
- Substitute teacher costs for teachers to attend professional development.
- Travel fees, including bus rental charges for students.
Non-Allowable Costs
- Routine classroom supplies purchased each year.
- Food and beverages (unless directly tied to the innovative program).
- Chromebooks, iPads, or laptop computers (not directly tied to the innovative program).
Review and Approval
A team of reviewers will evaluate each application using the attached rubric. Applicants who are not granted funding are encouraged to seek feedback from peers and to resubmit applications in the following quarter. Prior recipients of the grant are not eligible to reapply.
Reimbursement Process
Purchases and expenditures will be made using the district process for purchasing materials and program implementation. The district will submit these expenditures on WebGrants for reimbursement. Documentation of expenditures (ledger, receipts, etc.) will be required. All expenditures must be submitted by June 30, 2024.
Final Reflection
The final reflection will allow recipients to share photos and the outcome of the project. The content within these reflections may be used by the state to inspire new projects and promote collaboration.
Quarterly Teacher Innovation Grant Award Schedule
| Quarter | Application Window | Applications Due | Grantees Announced |
| Round 5: January - February 2023 | January 11 - 25, 2023 | January 25, 2023 | February 1, 2023 |
| Round 6: April - May 2023 | April 12 - 26, 2023 | April 26, 2023 | May 3, 2023 |
| Round 7: July - September 2023 | July 7 - 26, 2023 | July 26, 2023 | August 3, 2023 |
| Round 8: October - December 2023 | Oct 18 - Nov 1, 2023 | November 1, 2023 | November 8, 2023 |
| Round 9: January - February 2024 | January 17 - 31, 2024 | January 31, 2024 | February 7, 2024 |
| Round 10: April - May 2024 | April 17 - May 1, 2024 | May 1, 2024 | May 8, 2024 |
Teacher Innovation Grant Award Recipients
| Round | School/District | Teacher | Scope of Grant |
| Round 1 | Starkweather Public Schools | Jodi Erickstad | Snowshoeing education and exercise program for all students and their families at the school district. |
| Round 2 | Bismarck Public Schools Century High School | Gina Phillips | Create a community garden for students to learn the importance of community and social development and healthy lifestyles. |
| Round 2 | Medina Public Schools | April Foth | Purchase the Interactive Health Technologies Spirit System for her school and use it to teach students about their physical and social-emotional health. |
| Round 2 | Montpelier Public Schools | Ellen Anderson | Start a STEM class where students can use SkyOp to learn about new technology in agriculture and obtain drone certification. |
| Round 3 | West Fargo Public Schools Heritage Middle School | Callie Navarathne | Expand Makerspace opportunities for students and teachers. |
| Round 4 | Bismarck Public Schools Legacy High School | Michael Jacobson | 3D printers for CTE students to learn about and build assistive technology for exceptional learners. |
| Round 5 | Kulm Public Schools | Amy Johnson | Upgrade and expand its SMARTlab. |
| Round 6 | Sawyer Public Schools | Ryan Stockie | Drone Racing Esports |
| Round 7 | Hettinger Public Schools | Brooke Schneider | A schoolwide Botanical Initiative that will involve each K-12 student in a standard-aligned growing project, along with a rain garden and hydroponics system. |
| Round 8 | Wyndmere Public Schools
Beach Public Schools | Kelly Koboutek
Jessie Schmeling | Set up a student-run shirt shop to teach elementary students the importance of business and community involvement. Bridge the "old" with the "new" and team up with the local museum and allow students to build their own exhibits, encouraging students to research and engage with topics of all areas. |