AdoptAClassroom.org’s Teacher Leader Program invites educators to submit content incorporating teaching best practices and featuring materials purchased with AdoptAClassroom.org funds. Submissions are accepted in the Spotlight Fund categories of:
- Arts
- Inclusive Classroom
- Racial Equity in Schools
- Science, Technology, Engineering, Math (STEM)
- Social-Emotional Wellness (SEW)
Log in and browse our current educator resources in the Teacher Leader Resource Library (how-to video here).
2024-2025 Teacher Leader Grant applicants will submit a photo, biography, and their Teacher Leader submission demonstrating highly effective practices that meet all specified criteria, outlined below. We will accept applications on a rolling basis from October 2024 until we have awarded 10 grants of $1,500 each.
Please note that submissions should be practices you have already implemented in your classroom. This is not a request for funding for a new project. For that kind of funding, please look at our Spotlight Funds. You can find information about upcoming Spotlight Fund grant deadlines on our Teacher Funding Opportunities page.
Check out these examples from real Teacher Leaders for inspiration: Written Activity Example & Video Activity Example
Before You Apply
- Please read our Grant Terms and Conditions for eligibility and application details before you begin. All funds received through AdoptAClassroom.org follow our website’s Terms of Use.
- If you are including a student in any materials, they will need this release form signed by a parent or guardian.
- Determine if you will be submitting a video (three to five minutes) or a written activity. If you are submitting a written activity, you may choose to fill in this template and submit additional documents as needed. If you already have all of the documentation and materials needed for a written activity, you do not have to use the provided template.
Submission Guidelines
Video Guidelines
| Content | Completed application form General information – Includes teacher name, position, and grades – Mentions specific item(s) purchased from the Marketplace and the item’s vendor – Includes any original, educator-developed material (slides, worksheets, etc.) uploaded as supplementary materials – Explains/demonstrates the impact the item/strategy has made in their classroom or instruction – Is aligned to the category for which they applied (STEM, Inclusive Classrooms, etc.) |
| Quality | Clarity – Picture and sound quality do not interfere with understanding content – Clarity of message (how easily can another educator incorporate these tips?) Is informative – Provides at least one tip for using the highlighted item and describes the full process (more credit for additional tips) – Provides parameters for using these tips (e.g. grade level, content where appropriate) – Engaging (e.g. supports high student engagement, educator time management, has multiple applications) Is relatable – Is engaging and relatable to potential AdoptAClassroom.org viewers |
| Creativity | Is an original idea that is likely to be new to many educators Additional point possible for unique and engaging presentation |
Written Activity Guidelines
| Content | Completed application form Adequately completes all sections of Activity Template or includes the same information in a different format of the educator’s choosing – Includes teacher name, position, and grades – Grade level – Identifies materials purchased/available on the AdoptAClassroom.org Marketplace, including the vendor – Includes educator-created supplemental materials if needed (graphic organizers, slides, etc.) – Clear step-by-step directions |
| Quality | Clarity – Submission is legible (clear formatting, etc.) – Does not require additional materials other educators might not have (e.g. specific textbook) – Is clear and replicable in other classrooms (could a first-year educator follow the plan?) – Is created by the educator and is not from a copyrighted source Content – Is grade-level appropriate – Cites any external sources (websites, etc.) – Supports student engagement and learning in the classroom Relatable to educators – Is engaging and relatable to potential AdoptAClassroom.org viewers |
| Creativity | Is an original idea that is likely to be new to many educators Additional point possible for unique and engaging presentation |
Eligibility Requirements
- Any licensed PreK-12 educator or certified staff member, employed at an accredited K-12 public, private, or charter school in the United States.
- Educators who apply for funds give consent for their application content, name, photo, biography, and the name of the school where they teach to be published in communications by AdoptAClassroom.org and/or their partners in order to promote our mission and/or partnership.
- Educators must agree to and follow AdoptAClassroom.org’s Terms of Use to apply and receive funds.
- Educators must have an active AdoptAClassrom.org classroom page by the application deadline. Log in or register to create your classroom page.
- Educators who have had $50 or more of AdoptAClassroom.org funds expire from their account due to a failure to spend funds prior to the 12-month expiration date of donations may be deemed ineligible for Spotlight Fund grants.
- For Teacher Leader submissions, educators must submit materials and activities that they have created and own. Any submissions that include copyrighted materials will not be considered for the grant. If submissions are found to include copyrighted materials after the grant has been awarded, AdoptAClassroom.org may remove the remaining grant funds from the educator’s account.
- AdoptAClassroom.org reserves the right to revise application materials for clarity or communication purposes.
Questions? Trouble uploading your application? Email [email protected]