Format

Is the BWF application deadline firm?

Yes.

Can I submit a paper application?

No. BWF now requires that all applications for this program be submitted electronically. Paper applications will not be accepted. If you are having trouble using the electronic process, contact Tiffanie Taylor for assistance.

Do I need to submit a Letter of Intent prior to beginning an application?

No. BWF does not require a letter of intent for this program prior to beginning an application.

How should the applications be formatted?

All documents should be in 12-point font and have one-inch margins. All required documents must be submitted and uploaded to BWF's Grant Application System as Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) files. Standard word processing software (e.g., MS WORD, WordPerfect) 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.

Do I need to outline all professional development activities over the entire five-year period?

Applicants do not need a detailed professional development plan for all five years - as it may change depending on what is learned through opportunities in year one and year two. The committee anticipates all applications will have a clear plan for year one and tentative plans for years two through five.

Must I decide in advance what equipment to purchase in each of the five years and include all of that information in the proposal?

Applicants do not need a detailed budget for all five years of the award. Applicants should have a clear budget for year one of the award.

Who should write the training plan?

Ideally, the training plan should be developed by the teacher with support and input from the principal and/or superintendent. Both the principal and superintendent should clearly endorse the plan in their letters of nomination and describe how they support the teacher in his/her efforts.

Is the sample lesson plan and sample of student work limited to five pages?

Yes.

Do I need to complete the application in one session?

No, you may start the application and return at a later time to complete the application. When beginning a new application, you are required to establish a log-in and password. At any time during the application process, you may click the "save and finish later" button, exit the application, and return at a later time. Saved applications are accessed through a different link than the one used to begin the initial application. Please note that all applications must be submitted by the posted application deadline.

Can I receive a copy of my online application form?

You may print a copy of your application as you are completing the online application form by clicking the "Printer Friendly Version" link at the top of the page. You may also click the "Email Draft" link to email a copy of the application.

Logistics

How do I return to an incomplete application that I saved, but have not yet submitted?

At the time of application, you were required to create a login and password. The same information can be used to access the saved application. Note: there are two separate links to the BWF Grant Application System (one to start a new application and one to access a saved application.)  Quick button links are provided in the navigation bar to the right.

I completed my application. How do I submit?

Once the application has been completed and all attachments have been uploaded, you will need to click the "Review and Submit" button at the bottom of the last page of the application. Review your application. If the application is not missing required items, a submit button should be available at the bottom of the page. If a submit button is not available, the application is missing (one or more) required fields or attachments. Scroll to the top of the page and any missing items should be noted in red. Once you have completed all required items and hit the submit button, you will receive an email confirmation. If you do not, please contact Tiffanie Taylor.

Can I change my application once submitted?

No. Once your application is submitted it cannot be changed. If you need to make changes to a submitted application (before the application deadline date), please contact Tiffanie Taylor.

I forgot my User ID and/or Password. What should I do?

For a forgotten Password or User ID, visit the BWF Grant Application System log-in page and click the forgotten password link.

If you have questions or difficulty with the conversion process, please contact Tiffanie Taylor.

Eligibility

Do North Carolina public charter school teachers qualify to apply for these awards?

Teachers from charter and magnet schools in North Carolina are considered public school teachers and are eligible to apply for the Career Awards for Science and Mathematics Teachers.

What type of licensure is required to apply for the Career Award?

Teachers with the following license may apply: Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, Physics, a Comprehensive Science License (secondary), or middle grades science. Mathematics teachers can hold a license in either secondary or middle grades mathematics. Elementary teachers should hold an elementary (K-6) license and must spend at least 30 percent of their time teaching science or mathematics. If a teacher is effectively integrating science and mathematics in the classroom and would like to apply for the award highlighting both areas, licensure will be required as previously noted. Teaching professionals certified in Career and Technical Education may be eligible and should contact BWF prior to applying.

Can a teacher currently not teaching in the classroom apply and return to the classroom if the award is received?

The Career Award for Science and Mathematics Teachers is available only to teachers who are currently in the classroom at the time of application.

Can teachers from the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics apply?

NCSSM is a public residential high school and supported primarily by state funds, therefore teachers from this school can apply for Career Awards for Science and Mathematics Teachers.

Do you need to have five complete years of teaching experience at the time of application?

Applicants for the Career Award for Science and Mathematics Teachers are required to have completed five years of teaching in a NC public school prior to the application deadline. Therefore, teachers beginning their fifth year of teaching in the current school year are not eligible. Applicants must be active classroom teachers.

Do the five years of teaching experience need to be in North Carolina?

Yes, applicants for the award are required to have completed five years of teaching in a NC public school prior to the application date.