Polk County Public Schools, Staff
For more details contact:
Miranda Collins, Program Director
863-534-0803
Click here to email
The Teacher to Teacher/School to School Connection seeks out teachers that have developed and successfully used innovative teaching practices in their classrooms. These teachers called “Developers” work with the Foundation over the course of a school year to first help produce the Idea Catalog of Excellence in which their program is highlighted, and then participate in the Idea Expo.
All PreK-8 teachers from Polk, Hardee, and Highlands Counties are invited to attend the Idea Expo to network with the Developers, learning more about their innovative practices. Developer Grants are worth $600- $400 as a gift to the teacher and $200 to be used for surplus classroom supplies. Starting in 2005, the School to School Program allows teachers to develop a grant that incorporates a school-wide initiative. If selected, the teacher and school receives $1,000- $800 for school supplies and a $200 gift.
The Teacher to Teacher/School to School Connection does not end there. The Foundation then provides the opportunity for teachers that have seen an idea that they would like to use in their own classrooms or schools to apply for the funds needed to purchase the necessary supplies. Potential Adapters may apply for up to $200 (Classroom) or $800 (School) to purchase supplies they need to implement a Developer’s program.
To date, the Teacher to Teacher/School to School Connection has awarded over 740 grants worth over $250,000, benefiting numerous teachers and countless students.
Grants such as the GTE / IMC-Agrico Technology Matching Grants, GTE Math and Science Mini-grants, GTE-Literacy Grants-K-8 Literacy Programs, Verizon Literacy Grant, Progress Energy Technology Grants, Progress Energy Math and Science Grants, and GEICO FCAT Remediation Grants have been sponsored in the past. Donors are able to pick a focus for grants in their name or can instruct the Foundation to find a need for funds to be used.
*A special thanks to our newest Mini-Grant Donor, International Paper, Inc.! They are providing $500 for Auburndale elementary schools' math and science programs.
“Building Stronger Teachers through Collaboration and Mentoring”
This new program brings together Polk County teachers in a mentoring arena to enhance and support the efforts of the veteran and beginning teacher, yielding a standards-based enhanced lesson unit. Citigroup Team/Mentor Grants are designed to provide an incentive for collaborations between new and veteran teachers. These collaborations will be centered around "classroom-based, student learning projects," which will provide common ground for veteran teachers and rookies to work together. Veteran teachers will have the opportunity to be a mentor to new teachers. New teachers will share their enthusiasm and motivation with veteran teachers. The aim is to encourage dialogue and collaboration among teachers and reduce their feelings of isolation and peer disassociation.
*Congratulations to 12 teachers at Combee Elementary! They will be participating in the 2008-2009 Citigroup Program. Check back in January for their completed student-centered lessons.