Mini-Grant program provides new opportunities for teachers to enrich their classrooms
This year, Switzerland is proud to present a unique new program called “mini-grants.” Under the leadership of Superintendent Rob Caldwell, the program provides teachers with the opportunity to be creative in enriching their curriculum by granting them “mini-grants” in the amount of $1,000. A total of up to $217,000 has been allocated for these grants.
Through this program, every classroom teacher has the opportunity to add something to his/her classroom to enhance student learning. Applications are submitted for approval based on certain criteria, the main stipulation being that the grant’s use must still comply with state standards and the curriculum to which it applies.
A mini-grant program like this is not common in school districts, and Mr. Caldwell feels this is a valuable investment to help teachers personalize their lessons and meet student needs. “Our teachers know their students’ personalities and learning styles, and they are by far the most qualified to identify how best to enhance the class’s academic achievement,” he said. “We felt that mini-grants were a much wiser way to spend these funds than purchasing curriculum programs to be used across all classrooms, where the personalization and individualization is lost.”
The mini-grant program is being managed by District Administrator Curtis Wisvari. Mr. Wisvari describes, “This program is a good opportunity for teachers to reach out, stretch themselves, and stretch ideas in the classroom. Use this grant creatively — expand, supplement, and enrich your classroom instruction so that students are privy to a different perspective on learning.”
