A(L)T Spring Break

A group of 12 students and 2 faculty advisers from Emerson College, Boston, MA spent last week, March 4-8, on an Alternate Spring Break helping maintain the Appalachian Trail south of the Nantahala Outdoor Center under the supervision of the Nantahala Hiking Club.  They installed 152 feet of cribbing, 18 log steps, and completed 300 feet of side hill excavation.   During Wednesday’s “snow day” they volunteered for REACH in Silva, NC.

TTEC Leads Education Outside

Press Release prepared by Mary Bennett, Franklin A.T. Community Ambassador

The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) invites local educators and youth leaders to participate in the Trail to Every Classroom (TTEC) 2013 program which connects youth and communities along the Appalachian Trail (A.T.). 

Launched in 2006, in partnership with the National Park Service, the program offers educators the resources and training to use place-based education and service learning in and beyond the classroom walls.  This method of teaching encourages students to solve local community problems while offering a hands-on learning experience.  Participants rediscover the outdoors and sense of exploration while learning effective, meaningful ways to lead others in their own discoveries of nature, physical challenges, and the distinctiveness of their own communities.   

The program was developed to engage students in volunteer activities; encourage the love of learning; promote healthy lifestyles; promote conservation of and form a respect for the Appalachian Trail.  The TTEC program summons educators along the A.T. corridor to develop their own experiential learning curriculum based on state educational standards that integrate a hands-on study of the A.T.  

“ The significance of the Appalachian Trail is not its length (2, 184+ miles), but its story of civic engagement in preserving a recreational, natural, cultural, spiritual, and now, educational, resource for challenges and dreams,” states Rita Hennessy with the National Park Service. 

Divided into a series of three workshops, TTEC encompasses the fundamentals of hiking, environmental stewardship and ethics, GPS technology, grant writing, an opportunity for backpacking, networking and curriculum writing specific to the individuals instructional subject.  Once these workshops are completed, ongoing support is provided by the ATC, NPS and the local trail management partners.  All lodging, meals, and materials are included with an additional option for graduate credit.  Research has shown that this professional development program for K-12 teachers provides educators with the tools to increase student achievement, community engagement and environmentally responsible behavior.

Janis Brannon, TTEC alumnus shares, “The TTEC program has provided Summit Charter School (Cashiers, NC) with resources need to integrate environmental education, local history, and service learning into our curriculum.”

According to Lauren Bennett, 2007 TTEC alumnus, “This program inspired and equipped me to integrate place-based education into my curriculum”.  

Teaming up with the U.S. Forest Service and the Nantahala Hiking Club, Summit Charter School students (Cashiers, NC,) progress annually from beginning nature walks to advanced service learning projects conducting water quality stream testing in the Standing Indian recreational area. 

“I think one of the greatest feelings is seeing my student hike and truly enjoy nature.  They point out so many new and different things; leaf shapes, colors, animal burrows, nest, bird calls, buds on branches, back bug eggs, etc. It is hard to do long hikes with them because they are observing so many wonderful things.  This is so different from the first few years when they seemed to think the only purpose of a hike was to see who could hike the fastest!” shared Marsha LaFontaine.

To date this program has trained over 275 teachers from Georgia to Maine and enthusiasm for the program is growing. 

Beth Poteat explains the sense of renewal and fellowship with peers, “Trail to Every Classroom was a great opportunity to meet and share experiences with teachers in other subject areas from all over the country while strengthening one’s own classroom practices.” 

Likewise, Rachael Kerby, expresses a new perspective in her teaching, “TTEC is a program that draws you into the natural world through the eyes of a child.  It exposed me to different people and their passions for nature and the A.T. as well as introduced me to ways to draw students into the outdoors.”

“Enlisting the support of Nantahala Hiking Club members and parent volunteers broadens the school curriculum to a whole community level”, sites Mary Bennett, ATC Community Ambassador to Franklin, NC.  

This spring Bennett is assisting the Land Trust for the Little Tennessee educate students on common native and invasive plants along the Franklin Greenway.

The value of the program is perhaps best expressed by TTEC 2010 alumnus, Charlene Ward, “The TTEC program has helped renew my appreciation of the beautiful area we live in.  It has reminded me of many of my favorite childhood memories and experiences I had learning about nature.  It also increased my desire to learn more about the local history of the people and places in our community.  My new knowledge about service learning and place-based education allows me to take advantage of many teachable moments on our beautiful campus.  I would recommend the program to any educator or professional that is interested in teaching future generation the importance of caring for our environment and helping others.”

For more information about the Trail to Every Classrom program, email ttec@appalachiantrail.org  To apply online visit http://tinyurl.com/ttec2013 or visit www.appalachiantrail.org/TTEC

APPLICATIONS DUE MARCH 20

PHOTO:  Summit Charter School TTEC participants from L to R are (top row): Beth Poteat, Racheal Kerby, Lauren Bennett, Eric Sink.  Bottom row: Janis Brannon, Marsha LaFountaine, and Charlene Ward

     

Meet the Advisory Council!

The Trail to Every Classroom (TTEC) Advisory Council was formed in July, 2011.  It is composed of an Appalachian Trail maintaining club member and a teacher from each of the four regions of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) plus 1 higher education member, 3 at-large reps, and members from the National Park Service, US Forest Service and the ATC.  Our mission statement is to support the continued growth, viability, and relevance of the TTEC program.  Our purpose is to serve as liaisons and ambassadors to TTEC educators and 31 AT clubs as well as to advise the AT Park Office and ATC staff on emerging questions, issues, and opportunities.  We meet once a year, face to face, and conduct bimonthly conference calls to fulfill our mission and purpose.

We represent about 20 people who care about the TTEC program and desire to contribute to its continued success.  Each member has committed to a 2 or 3 year term of service.

We ask clubs to reach out to TTEC teachers to assist them with TTEC curriculum.  Also, TTEC teachers can contact clubs or the Advisory Council reps directly to ask for assistance.  We aim to establish working relationships between the Trail Clubs and the TTEC teachers/alumni. 

Members of the Trail to Every Classroom Advisory Council:

Sharon Van Horn, Co-Chair and Southern Region Club Rep sevh@email.dnet.net

Betty Gatewood, Co-Chair and Mid Atlantice Regional Club Rep bjgatewood@gmail.com

Deila Clark, North East Region and A.T. Stewardship Council

Not Pictured: Pat Woods, Higher Education Rep pwoods9@gmail.com

Robert Siudzinski, At Large Rep, Washington College Rsiudzinski2@washcoll.edu

 Lucy Simonds, North East Regional Teacher Rep lucysimonds@gmail.com

Not Pictured:  Steve Schimpff, North East Regional Club Rep 

Not Pictured: Barbara Wieman, Mid Atlantic Club Rep  blwiemann@gmail.com

Marlene Jefferson, Mid-Atlantic Teacher Rep Marlene.Jefferson@lcps.org

Karen Lutz, ATC Mid-Atlantic Director klutz@appalachiantrail.org

Chip Donahue, Virginia Regional Teacher Rep ddonahue@rcs.k12.va.us

Norma Johnson, Virginia Regional Club Rep Ngjohnson1@gmail.com

Julie Judkins, Southern Region ATC Community Program Manager jjudkins@appalachiantrail.org

Olga Pader, Southern Region Teacher Rep olgapader@frontier.com

Rita Hennessy, Assitant Park Manager, Appalachian National Scenic Trail

Clare Long, US Forest Service Ranger and Education Specialist, White Mountain National Forest cclong@fs.fed.us

More Grant Opportunities

Lowe's Charitable and Education Foundation Announces 2013 Toolbox for Education Grant Program

Lowe's Charitable and Education Foundation has announced the opening of its Spring 2013 Toolbox for Education grant cycle. The program supports projects that encourage parent involvement in local schools and build stronger community spirit.

Ranging from $2,000 to $5,000,Toolbox for Education grants are awarded in support of projects that have a permanent impact on a school community, such as facility enhancement (indoor or outdoor) as well as landscaping/clean-up projects. Grant funds cannot be used to pay for memorials, stipends, salaries, artists in residence, field trips, or scholarships. Only 10 percent of any award can be allocated for outside expenses such as labor, installation, consultation, and delivery.

Lowe's will only consider grants for projects that can be completed within a year of receipt of the grant. A Toolbox grant can be used as part of a large-scale project like a playground, as long as the grant will be used to complete a phase of the project that can be completed within a twelve months of the award.

To be eligible for a grant, applicants must be a public K-12 school or nonprofit parent group associated with such a school. Parent groups that are applying (PTO, PTA, etc.) must have an independent EIN and official 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. Preschools are not eligible.

The application process will be closed after fifteen hundred applications have been received.

Complete application and eligibility guidelines, as well as lists of past grant recipients, are available on the Toolbox for Education Web Site.

Contact:
Link to Complete RFP http://www.toolboxforeducation.com/

Primary Subject: Education
Geographic Funding Area: National

Posted on January 25, 2013
Deadline: March 1, 2013

Lemelson-MIT Program Announces 2013-14 InvenTeam Initiative to Cultivate High School Student Creativity

Created by the Lemelson-MIT Program, the InvenTeam initiative provides opportunities for high school students to cultivate their creativity, curiosity, and problem-solving abilities and apply lessons from science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) subjects to invent technological solutions to real-world problems.

InvenTeams comprised of high school students, teachers, and mentors receive grants of up to $10,000 to invent technological solutions to a problem of their choice. Projects can range from assistive devices to environmental technologies and consumer goods. Applicants are encouraged to consider the needs of the world's poorest people (those earning $2 or less a day) when brainstorming ideas.

STEM educators at high schools and nonprofit educational organizations who have not received an InvenTeam grant within the past three years are eligible to apply. Funds may be allocated for project-related research, materials, and learning experiences. Funds may not be used to purchase capital equipment or professional services.

Complete application and eligibility guidelines, including profiles of past InvenTeams, are available at the Lemelson-MIT Program Web site.

Contact:
Link to Complete RFP

Primary Subject: Science/Technology
Geographic Funding Area: National

Posted on February 7, 2013
Deadline: October 1, 2013

Toshiba America Foundation Invites Applications for K-5 Science and Math Projects

The Toshiba America Foundation is accepting applications from K-5 grade school teachers with innovative science or math projects.

The foundation awards grants of up to $1,000 to K-5 teachers in public or private nonprofit schools in support of hands-on science or math education projects. Grant funds may be used for project-related materials only. The foundation strongly encourages projects planned and led by individual teachers or teams of teachers for their own classrooms.

Summer projects or afterschool programs will not be considered, nor will salaries, facility maintenance, textbooks, video production, audio-visual equipment, and education research be funded.

Complete application and eligibility guidelines and information about past recipients are available at the Toshiba America Foundation Web site.

Contact:
Link to Complete RFP

Primary Subject: Education
Geographic Funding Area: National

Posted on February 7, 2013
Deadline: Open

Toyota U.S.A. Foundation Accepting Proposals for K-12 Math, Science, Environmental Science Initiatives

The Toyota U.S.A. Foundation is committed to improving the quality of K-12 education in America by supporting innovative programs and building partnerships with organizations dedicated to improving the teaching and learning of mathematics, science, and environmental science.

Grants are provided to colleges and universities as well as to nonprofit organizations engaged in pre-collegiate math and/or science education. The foundation places priority on programs that are broad in scope and incorporate systemic approaches; creative programs that develop the potential of students and/or teachers; and cost-effective programs that possess a high potential for success and relatively low duplication of effort.

Grants are made only to nonprofit organizations certified as tax exempt under Section501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The foundation does not make grants for publications, lobbying activities, advertising, capital campaigns, or endowments. K-12 public and private schools are not eligible to apply.

For complete application and eligibility guidelines, visit the Toyota U.S.A. Foundation Web site.

Contact:
Link to Complete RFP

Primary Subject: Education
Geographic Funding Area: National

Free Books Program

The Reading Resource Project is an ongoing program that runs throughout the year.  The Literacy Empowerment Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, invites your school or other literacy project to apply for FREE books for your literacy project. During the past year, LEF has distributed over 3,000,000 books to schools all across the country for Read Across America Day and other literacy projects. Please share this information with your fellow educators! Order Form at http://www.lefbooks.org LEF 1311 West Chester Pike West Chester, PA 19382 Phone:             610-719-6448       Web site: http://www.lefbooks.org E-mail: info@lefbooks.org

TTEC 2013 Applications!

 “I believe every teacher should be a part of such an exciting, integrative,

inspirational program! This is one of the fewworkshops that provided

me with tools, networking opportunities, ideas . . . to enable my classroom to come to life . .. .”

—Jennifer Wyland, Life Science Teacher,Kutztown M.S.,TTEC 2008

Are you a TTEC alumni and want to give someone in your school the nudge to try it for themselves?
Are you familiar with TTEC but been waiting to try it out?
The time is NOW!
The 2013 application is out, and the deadline is March 15!
Please help us spread the word about this incredible opportunity!
Share this link for information about the 2013 program and application:
http://tinyurl.com/ttec2013

Some highlights:

• The Trail to Every Classroom (TTEC) program includes all lodging, meals, and materials.  
• There is a $50 administrative fee, waived for Appalachian Trail Conservancy members.  To become a member, please visit our website.Presenters include national experts in Place-Based ServiceLearning and Curriculum Development.
•  You are expected to develop curriculum with an Appalachian Trail focus.
• Three graduate credits are optional and offered for a fee of $637.50 through Mary Baldwin College. Credits awarded fall 2013.
• Support for your curriculum development and implementation through an increasing network of educators, as well as A.T. and Trail management partners.

Grant Opportunities!

Posted on December 11, 2012
Deadline: April 30, 2013

ING Unsung Heroes Program Invites K-12 Educators to Apply for 2013 Class Project Awards

The ING Unsung Heroes awards program annually recognizes K-12 educators in the United States for their innovative teaching methods, creative educational projects, and ability to positively influence the children they teach.

Educators are invited to submit grant applications describing class projects they have initiated or would like to pursue.

Each year, one hundred educators are selected to receive awards of $2,000 each to help fund their innovative class projects. At least one award will be granted in each of the fifty United States, provided one or more qualified applications are received from each state. Of the one hundred finalists, three will be selected for additional financial awards. First place will receive $25,000; second place will receive $10,000; and the third-place winner will receive $5,000. All awards must be used to further the projects within the school or school system.

All K-12 education professionals are eligible to apply. Applicants must be employed by an accredited K-12 public or private school located in the U.S. and be a full-time educator, teacher, principal, paraprofessional, or classified staff member working on a project with demonstrated effectiveness in improving student learning. Previous recipients of ING Unsung Heroes awards are not eligible to apply for another award.

Complete program guidelines, the application form, and information on previously funded projects are available at the ING Web site.

Posted on December 18, 2012
Deadline: February 10, 2013

Youth Service America Accepting Applications for Disney Friends for Change Grants

Administered by Youth Service America, the Disney Friends for Change grants program is designed to help young people in the United States make lasting, positive change in the world. The program will support community-service projects that highlight the creativity and commitment of young people working to meet the needs of others.

Grants of $1,000 will be awarded for youth-led service projects that demonstrate youth leadership, creativity, and a commitment to making a positive community impact. Service projects can be in any field, including the environment, human services, the arts, and athletics.

Youth between the ages of 5 and 18 in all fifty states and the District of Columbia are eligible to apply. (Youth younger than 13 years of age must have an adult prepare and submit their application.)

For complete program guidelines, the application, and information on past Friends for Change projects, visit the YSA Web site.