STUDY GROUP TEAM MEMBER GRANT AND APPLICATION INFORMATION

Application Due: 11:59pm on April 19, 2010

Are you a CPS elementary school teacher interested in expanding your toolbox of teaching methods?  Do you learn best in a collaborative, supportive environment?  If so, become one of Chicago Foundation for Education's nearly 200 Study Group Team Members! 

CFE Study Groups bring together PreK-8^th grade CPS educators ("Team Members") to learn effective teaching methods from their peers ("Coaches").  As an applicant, you select from our ONLINE CATALOG of twenty-five Study Groups, choosing a strategy that addresses both the needs of your classroom and your personal goals for professional development.  

Eligibility Requirements:

Applicants must be Chicago Public School educators and be either ISBE certified or recognized as "highly-qualified" as specified by NCLB.  CFE recognizes all educators in schools working directly with students as teachers.  Thus, librarians, social workers, team leaders, technology coaches, etc. are encouraged to apply.

If you have any questions regarding your eligibility, please contact us at (312) 670-2323 or via cfe@CFEgrants.org.

CFE Study Group Team Member Award Information:

Team Member Benefits

• Learn, adapt and implement an instructional strategy that has been proven to increase academic achievement
• Receive ongoing mentoring from your Coach and support from your CPS colleagues
• Earn up to 10 CPDUs
• Receive $300 to purchase instructional materials for your classroom

Team Member Responsibilities

• Attend CFE's Study Group Kick-Off Dinner on Thursday, June 3 and December 3, 2010
• Attend 12 hours of Study Group meetings between June 3 and December 3, 2010.  
• Meeting dates/times/locations are determined as a group
• At least one meeting will be scheduled before the school year begins in the Fall (must have some availability over summer)
• Complete all Study Group Team Member assignments/reports and participate in group discussion in a meaningful way.
• Adapt and implement your Study Group Teaching Method between September 8 and December 3, 2010.
• Return your Final Report and Expense Report to CFE by December 10, 2010.

Application Questions:

1.  Why did you select this particular Study Group? How would implementation of this teaching method benefit the unique needs of your students? (900 character maximum)

2. How would participating in this CFE Study Group help you achieve your personal goals for professional development? Please indicate how your personal goals align with your School Improvement Plan (SIPPAA) and/or school's learning objectives. (900 character maximum)

3. CFE Study Groups are most effective when all team members are engaged, collaborative, and supportive of their colleagues. Why are you attracted to this learning style and how will you add value to this group experience? (700 character maximum)

4. We recognize that CPS educators have numerous professional and personal commitments. Please share how you will make time to fully participate despite your busy schedule. (400 character maximum)

Award Criteria:

Study Group Team Member applications are reviewed and rated on the following criteria:

• Benefit to students (30%)
• Connection to Professional Goals (30%)
• Values Study Group Model of Learning (20%)
• Commitment to Study Group (10%)
• Overall Presentation of Application (10%)

How to Apply:

1.  Click HERE to browse through the 2010 Study Group Catalog and learn more about the Teaching Methods available. 

2.  Complete all Sections below.

3.  Be sure to save your work often (click "Save Draft and Continue Later").  When finished, be sure to submit your application (click "Save and Final Submit").  Applications must be submitted by Friday, April 16, 2010.