Opportunities
Classroom resources
Student program, activity resource
Reach for the Stars is a guide listing more than 120 academic enrichment programs and activities to supplement classroom learning. Reach for the Stars is available as a service from Synergy & Leadership Exchange and the Minnesota Academic League. Download a free PDF at www.synergyexchange.org or request a print copy by emailing reach@synergyexchange.org.
National WWI digital database
The National WWI Museum and Memorial has a free online database for educators looking for materials to teach about the war. The database includes articles, lesson plans, videos, classwork documents and primary sources from the National WWI Museum and Memorial, presented in collaboration with the United States World War One Centennial Commission. For more information or to see the database, go to www.theworldwar.org/education.
Social justice resources
The website, We Are Teachers, has compiled a list of 21 free resources for social justice lesson plans, including curriculum planning resources, social media influencers, podcasts and classroom activities. There are also student-focused activities and workshops for both educators and administrators. The website also asks for additional resources, if educators have more ideas. See the listing at www.weareteachers.com/social-justice-lesson-plans-resources.
Grants
Minnesota Teacher Candidate Grants
The Minnesota Teacher Candidate Grant provides postsecondary financial assistance to eligible students enrolled in Minnesota teacher preparation programs during one term in which the student is completing a required 12-week or more student teaching experience. The program has two goals—to encourage individuals, particularly those who belong to a racial or ethnic group underrepresented in the Minnesota teacher workforce, to become teachers, and to encourage students to teach in Minnesota in designated license field and geographical shortage areas. On a funds available basis, selected undergraduate and graduate students may receive awards of up to $7,500 for one term. The spring/summer application deadline is Dec. 13. For more information, requirements and application materials, go to www.ohe.state.mn.us/mPg.cfm?pageID=2248.
Behavioral health, wellness grant
The Minnesota Departments of Human Services and Management and Budget are looking to partner with school districts or collaboratives of schools to offer a social and emotional learning based curriculum to promote positive mental health and prevent substance use. This evidenced-based curriculum works by developing students’ social and self-management skills. The grant would offer a three-year evidence-based behavioral health and wellness curriculum called LifeSkills Training to middle school students beginning in fall 2020. The final date to apply is Nov. 15, but may be close if a high number of applicants have already been submitted. For more information on the program or how to apply, go to https://mn.gov/mmb/behavioral-wellness.
Farm to School grants
AGRI Farm to School Grants support Minnesota school districts that want to process and serve Minnesota agricultural products. Grants are intended to help create plans that identify specific equipment, tools, training or policies that school districts need, and help schools buy equipment they need to buy, prepare and serve more Minnesota grown and raised food. There are two different grants available. Applications are due Nov. 7. For more information on the program and how to apply, go to www.mda.state.mn.us/business-dev-loans-grants/agri-farm-school-grants.
Whirlpool commercial laundry discounts
The Whirlpool Care Counts™ laundry program allows schools to apply for discounted washers and dryers to help students have access to clean clothes. Through the program, a designated leader helps identify students and families to participate and anonymously tracks their loads of laundry, attendance and grades throughout the school year. Applications are open only to elementary schools at this time. Learn more about the program or nominate your school at www.whirlpool.com/care-counts.
