Through the Georgia Teacher Initiative, the Georgia Foundation for Public Education has awarded grants between $500 and $2,500 in Teacher Grants for Innovation to Georgia public school teachers with an innovative project designed to improve learning outcomes and make a measurable impact on your student’s lives.
View Recipients from previous rounds by clicking the links below, or look below on this page to see recent Recipients.
Ms. Cannon will establish an eSports program at King Middle School. eSports represents a new and inventive approach to education that has the potential to permanently transform the traditional educational landscape. eSports will not only garner the interest of students who may not be engaged in traditional extracurricular activities but will also foster valuable skills such as teamwork, communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving. Through competitive gaming, students will develop important social and emotional skills while also honing their digital literacy and technology proficiency. Ms. Cannon will use grant funds to furnish an eSports lab with gaming consoles, computers, peripherals, and software licenses.
“By incorporating innovative teaching methods, technologies, and approaches, I aim to create an engaging and dynamic learning environment that empowers students to explore, experiment, and take ownership of their learning.”
Mr. Brown will use the Teacher Grant for Innovation to launch Boosting Literacy with Technology in READ 180 Stage B, which aims to close the literacy gap for struggling readers through the integration of cutting-edge technology, such as virtual reality (VR), interactive apps, and gamified learning. The project addresses the root cause of disengagement and reading challenges by offering personalized, immersive reading experiences that meet students at their skill level. It disrupts traditional instruction by transforming passive reading into dynamic, participatory learning that motivates students to read more.
“Innovation in my classroom means reimagining traditional teaching methods to create a more engaging, personalized, and effective learning experience for students. By integrating advanced technology, I can meet students at their individual levels, transforming how they approach reading. This approach not only motivates students to actively participate but also equips them with the skills and confidence needed to excel academically, ultimately reshaping their educational journey and outcomes.”
Using the Teacher Grant for Innovation, Ms. Scurr will purchase a laser cutter and engraver to help her students start a school-based business. Specifically, her fourth and fifth grade gifted students will partner with a high school business course to teach math, reasoning, and communication skills and transform her traditional classroom where students practice skills to one where students are applying skills to real world problems. In addition to partnering with the high school, Ms. Scurr will also invite local business owners to mentor the students and help address any problems that arise.
“As a gifted education teacher, it is imperative that I develop lessons and experiences that further my student’s skills and development. While grade level skills are not an issue for these students, working together for a common goal is. Many of these students struggle to see the connection from what they are learning to the real world. Starting and implementing a business will allow for students to apply what they are learning in class in a real meaningful way.”
Ms. Jones will use the Teacher Grant for Innovation to implement The Golden Bread GMO Inquiry Investigation Lab, which exemplifies innovation in education by addressing critical issues such as food security and nutrition through biotechnology. This lab targets the root cause of preparing students for the future by teaching them how genetically modified organisms (GMOs) can help solve global challenges like vitamin deficiencies. By engaging students in hands-on genetic modification of yeast to produce beta-carotene, the lab introduces a disruptive and transformative approach to traditional science education, replacing outdated methods with cutting-edge biotechnology techniques.
“Innovation in my classroom is driven by collaboration, exploration, and scientific literacy. Through hands-on labs like the Golden Bread lab, students learn biotechnology while discovering the humanity of scientific discovery. This collaborative approach encourages peer learning, problem-solving, and conversations driven by their lived experiences. By engaging with cutting-edge biotechnology, students move beyond traditional curricula, deepening their understanding of science’s role in the world. This fosters scientific literacy, equipping them with the critical thinking and skills needed to navigate and contribute to the evolving STEM landscape.”
Using the Teacher Grant for Innovation, Ms. Pasatiempo will implement a program for students to assess local soil and water quality using advanced chemistry techniques. By integrating soil and water testing, her class aims to provide farmers and agricultural stakeholders with precise data to enhance crop yield, promote sustainable farming practices, and protect local ecosystems. Students will develop a testing protocol and create standardized methods for testing soil and water samples to measure key parameters such as pH, nutrient levels (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium), heavy metals, and microbial contamination. Students will also implement Smart Sensor Technology utilizing the sensors for real-time monitoring of soil moisture, temperature, and water quality indicators, allowing for immediate feedback. Finally, students will employ data analytics tools to interpret testing results and visualize soil and water quality trends over time. Ms. Pasatiempo eventually hopes to collaborate with local farmers to collect soil and water samples from different agricultural sites and water sources.
“Innovation plays a vital role in our classroom by fostering an environment where creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving thrive. By embracing experimentation and inquiry, we empower students to take ownership of their education, leading to deeper engagement and motivation. Ultimately, innovation transforms the classroom into a space where students can envision themselves as future problem solvers and contributors to their communities.”
The Flying High drone program is geared towards implementing a successful beginner drone and coding program at Thomson Elementary School. This program will integrate science, math, technology, art and geography in a fun and captivating way. Students will embark on coding missions that are geared towards tapping into their critical thinking and problem solving skills. They will also have the opportunity to work collaboratively together to successfully complete a drone obstacle. Through the program, students will gain leadership skills, hands-on learning, real life application and communication skills.
“Drones are not just cool gadgets, they are powerful educational tools used to inspire and empower the next generation of STEM professionals. This project will provide students with an innovative way of learning science, math, technology, art and geography. The students will gain confidence in interpersonal skills such as communication, leadership, and teamwork. This program will allow students to make real-life connections to jobs and careers that use this innovative technology. This hands-on learning approach will encourage students’ adaptability, cooperation, develop proficient technology skills and critical thinking skills.”
Using the Teacher Grant for Innovation, Ms. Archuleta will create the Dolphin Design Studio, which will provide students with the tools and opportunities to explore digital art and design. The studio will involve project-based learning and give students ownership in creating and producing school spirit wear, items related to their current units, and help prepare them for future creative careers. This innovative project will emphasize critical thinking, collaboration and creativity.
“Innovation enriches my classroom by making learning more engaging and relevant. As the gifted teacher my role is to help teach my students critical thinking skills and creativity. Using innovative models and resources in my classroom is vital to ensure that my kindergarten through fifth grade students are being challenged and are prepared for the future.”
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