Fund for Teachers Grant Winners 2017 announced

Professional development projects take Douglas County educators across the United States, and from Iceland to Costa Rica 

April 10, 2017: The Ford Family Foundation has announced the names of 16 local educators who will embark on self-designed summer professional development experiences as the Douglas County’s 2017 Fund for Teachers Grantees. The skills and knowledge gained through their experiences will enhance their classrooms and their careers.

The Ford Family Foundation partnered with Fund for Teachers to provide funding for the grant recipients. The self-designed learning experiences are as varied as the winners. Attending a professional education conference focused on childhood trauma, investigating the effects of the 1880s western expansion on American Indian tribes, exploring Iceland's geologic landscapes, and participating in a scientific field-based course in Costa Rica are just four of the projects. All the Grantees will bring back new knowledge to share with their students. The program elevates teacher quality through the support of professional development.

"Fund for Teachers is a national program that enriches the personal and professional growth of K-12 educators through the direct support of summer education experiences," said Jeneen Hartley, program officer for youth development and education at The Ford Family Foundation. 

"The partnership is a part of our efforts to ensure rural Oregon youth have access to high quality education programs both in and out of school," said Anne Kubisch, president of The Ford Family Foundation. "Enhancing teacher quality through the support of professional development is a core component of the effort." 

Grant awards range from up to $5,000 for individuals and up to $10,000 for teams. Download the complete list of Grant Winners with descriptions of their projects:

2017 Douglas County Fund for Teachers Grant Winners   

For more information, contact Jeneen Hartley.