The Hamilton County Department of Education awarded over a half-million dollars in technology innovation grants to area teachers this week. As a part of the federal Race to the Top initiative, the HCDE Teaching and Technology Grant was earmarked for a one-time investment aimed at providing teachers with innovative technology resources.
The 68 grant recipients submitted proposals that included detailed lesson plans illustrating how technology would enhance classroom instruction and increase student engagement.
Innovative proposals included everything from 3D printing to mobile iPad labs to digital storytelling.
“We were pleasantly surprised to have received over 200 applications for this grant,” said Patty Kinsey, HCDE Information Technology department head. “It has been a great opportunity for teachers to integrate technology and bring new ideas to the classroom.”
Teachers submitted either an individual proposal or a group proposal of two or more teachers with the maximum awards being $7,500 or $12,500, respectively. Teams of community leaders, technology experts and local educators then reviewed each of the proposals and collaborated to determine the winners.
“Students at all grade levels, kindergarten through twelfth grade, at schools throughout our district will be positively impacted by this grant,” said Aimee Randolph, director of Instruction Pre-K-12. “It’s very exciting to realize that kids from all over this county will be engaged on an individual level through application of this technology. They will become more active participants in their own education.”
Winning proposals included plans for sharing innovative technology teaching practices with educators throughout HCDE and for teaching students how to practice good digital citizenship.
“This grant process has been a great opportunity to recognize and support technology innovation in Hamilton County Schools,” said Assistant Superintendent Robert Sharpe. “This process is another big step in our district’s continuing efforts to support innovation, student engagement, and personalized learning.”