Teacher Innovation Grants
2020-21 Grants Applications are now closed. Check back soon for upcoming Grants information.
The Claremont Educational Foundation believes in supporting CUSD’s top-notch educational staff and nurturing a space where innovative ideas can develop and flourish. We are excited to fund grants of up to $2,000 to CUSD teachers and principals for creative projects that engage students in high-impact learning opportunities in both CEF’s traditional areas of focus (art, music and technology) as well as in other subject areas (humanities, sciences, etc). The focus of these grants is to enhance access to creative, project-based learning for CUSD students. Teachers may apply individually, groups of teachers may submit a proposal together for a collaborative school-site or grade-level project, or principals may submit a proposal for a school-wide project. Requests for Proposal will be posted every Spring for projects intended to start in the Fall. Teachers and principals in Claremont Unified School District are eligible to apply.
2020–2021 Teacher Innovation Grant Recipients
Math for Personal Finance – $1,950
Presented to: David Sawhill at Claremont High School
This 10-week program will take place during second semester and will include a realistic online budgeting simulation where each student has a job with earned income, pay taxes, and participate in a 401k, all while renting an apartment, paying typical personal bills, and managing checking and savings account balances. This program is primarily funded by a dedicated gift from DA Davidson.
Outdoor Instrumental Music – $1,515
Presented to: Burke Shouse at Claremont High School
Funding will support the purchase of audio equipment needed to enable outdoor rehearsals and performances. The audio equipment will be particularly useful this year once students are allowed to return to campus in small numbers, but will also enable outdoor performances and rehearsals for years to come.
Outdoor Learning Center – $1,200
Presented to: Jessica Uy and Ann O’Connor at Chaparral Elementary School
Funding will support the second phase of construction on Chaparral's outdoor learning space. The outdoor learning space, which will be available to students during class and recess, will be used for a variety of purposes including dramatic performances, learning about native plants, art projects, and more.
Front Desk Books Program – $764.32
Presented to: Sofia Ahmed, Leticia Donahue, Renee Duniven, and Jennifer Luebbers at Condit Elementary School
Funding will support the purchase of books that feature messages of diversity, equity, and inclusion to be used to stimulate discussions on these topics in 6th grade classrooms.
Learning in Virtual Reality – $750
Presented to: Jennifer Maclin at Chaparral Elementary School
Funding will purchase two sets of Virtual Reality goggles and an educational app to allow students in 5th and 6th grade to virtually explore the moon, museums, and distant lands to enhance their learning.
Virtual Choir Performance – $700
Presented to: Joel Wilson at Claremont High School and El Roble Intermediate School
This year, choir performances at El Roble and CHS have moved online. Funding from this program will support professional editing for online choir performances.