Career Awards for Science and Mathematics Teachers

The January 18, 2011 application deadline has passed. 

The information provided for this program pertains to the 2010-2011 award series and is provided for your reference only.  Revised program guidelines and instructions are being considered.  Check back on this site for periodic updates.

In order for an application to be submitted, each section of the application must be completed. Applications that are not in compliance with proposal instructions will be rejected out of fairness to all applicants. All attachments must be uploaded as Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) files. The following sections are required:

1. General Proposal Information (On-line Data Entry)
2. Sections of the Proposal Requiring Upload of Attachments
   
   

The application contains on-line data entry screens requesting such information as contact information and basic demographic statistics. This information will need to be provided when you access the BWF Grant Application System and must be entered prior to submission.

Standard word processing software (e.g., MS Word) can be used to prepare the attachments; however, all documents MUST be converted from standard word processing format to Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) files prior to being uploaded to the BWF Grant Application System. Each attachment must be typed (single-sided and single-spaced, using 12-point font size) with one inch or larger margins on all sides.) Do not include a cover letter or supplemental materials not specifically requested. Documents can be uploaded to BWF's Grant Application System in the "attachments" section. Use the following naming convention for all files: Attachment Type_Candidate Last Name_Candidate First Name (i.e., Candidate Resume_Doe_Jane).

• Candidate Resume (two-page limit)
  Proposals should include a current resume of the teacher. Include certifications, licensure, professional experiences, education, key professional development experiences, presentations, and honors.
  
  
• Training Plan (six-page limit)
  Proposals should present a Training Plan to show how the awarded funds will be used. The plan should demonstrate how the teacher’s knowledge in science and/or mathematics will be expanded. Professional development for applicants must align with the North Carolina standards for the science and/or mathematics curriculum, be content-based programs that explore key topics in significant depth, and be relevant to the teacher's individual growth. The Training Plan should be endorsed by the principal and superintendent.
  
  The Training Plan should:

1. Describe the candidate's teaching philosophy and how the candidate has and will continue to:
   
   
   • Take a proactive approach to student achievement and the lives of students
   • Develop a learner-centered, knowledge-centered, assessment-centered, and community-centered classroom
     
     
2. Describe the candidate’s goals for the award, including how the award will impact his/her classroom, colleagues, school, and school district
   
3. Outline professional development plan, indicating how the candidate will continue development of content knowledge and pedagogical skills
   
4. Describe how equipment/material purchases will impact the plan
   
5. Demonstrate how the candidate will make contributions to the curricula
   
6. Demonstrate how the candidate will provide leadership and outreach in his/her school, district, or community

• Professional Development Plan
  The professional development plan should clearly outline activities for year one of the grant and more generally outline years two through five.
  
  
• Candidate’s Lesson Plan (five-page limit)
  The lesson plan should demonstrate exemplary and innovative teaching skills and engaging hands-on activities with new approaches to questioning and problem solving, as outlined in the selection criteria. A sample of student work, excluding the names of specific students, should be included and demonstrate the achievement of a student with a diverse set of academic achievement levels in science and/or mathematics that have benefited from the described lesson plan. Special consideration will be given to the progression of student knowledge, growth, and performance.
  
  
• Principal Sponsor Letter of Nomination (two-page limit)
  In the nomination letter, the principal must describe:
  
  
  • Describe how the candidate’s teaching methodology, such as the level of depth and rigor in the classroom, has impacted student performance
    
  • Describe how the principal will support the teacher’s training plan, including information on how the teacher will be mentored at the school and the school’s commitment to develop the teacher’s skills
    
  • For high school and middle school principals, the letter should explain what science and/or mathematics courses are taught by the teacher. For elementary school principals, this letter should explain how the teacher or curriculum specialist will spend time training other teachers
    
  • How the teacher’s skills and content knowledge will be utilized to increase student performance in science and/or mathematics. Include information on how the school tracks performance data to help the teacher with instruction and how individualized student goals can be achieved
    
  • How the principal supports successful science and/or mathematics teaching at the school
    
  • Explain the potential of the candidate to enhance a successful science and/or mathematics program at the school and beyond. Describe the school leadership’s role in facilitating this process
    
    Letter should be submitted on letterhead with a signature.
    
    
• Superintendent Sponsor Letter of Nomination (two-page limit)
  In the nomination letter, the superintendent must:
  
  
  • Demonstrate the district’s commitment to developing the teacher’s skills and outline how these skills will be utilized to benefit his/her school district, including such things as how the teacher will mentor/train other teachers or develop curriculum materials
    
  • Describe what level of support will be given to the school and to the teacher to accomplish goals outlined in the teacher’s training plan and the principal’s letter of nomination
    
  • Describe the school district’s vision for science and/or mathematics instruction and how the teacher’s skills can support that vision
    
  • Describe any science and/or mathematics education reform efforts taking place within the district.
    
    The North Carolina State Board of Education will provide additional salary support to enable each award recipient to receive a 12-month schedule. Explain how this commitment from the state will be utilized in the district.
    
    Letter should be submitted on letterhead with a signature.

• Budget
  The budget should clearly demonstrate what professional development the teacher will seek during year one of the award. A listing of equipment and supplies along with a notation of their value should be included and clearly defined. Plans and equipment needs for subsequent years may vary and can be reported during annual progress reports. The Career Award grant does not cover indirect costs.   Funds for advanced coursework are permitted by the Career Award. Any equipment purchased by the award recipient can be transferred to another North Carolina Public School if the teacher relocates.
  
  
• Signature Page
  Using the Signature Page Form provided, complete and upload the Signature Page Form.  Contact information and signatures for the teaching professional, the principal, and superintendent are required.  Word and PDF forms are provided.  The Form (with signatures) must be uploaded to the application as a PDF.