Through our work at the Improve Group we have been very fortunate to meet and work with a great many dedicated and involved educators. Professional development, networking opportunities, and finding the time and funds to be part of programs that increase their abilities and effectiveness as teachers are very important to them. The following grant brings funding to schools to help develop educator skills.

This week’s pick: the Minnesota Office of Higher Education administers the funding for the competitive Federal Higher Education Improving Teacher Quality Program. This funding supports in-service programs affecting K-12 educators in the subject areas of science, economics, mathematics, geography, history or civics/government.

Requests must come from partnerships composed of “an accredited Minnesota private or public higher education institution and the division of the institution that prepares teachers, a school of arts and sciences within the higher education institution, and a high need Local Education Agency (school district).”

Total Minnesota support available for activities for 2009-2010 is $1,000,533. Proposals are due by 4:30 p.m., Monday, November 17, 2008. For additional information on this opportunity, click here.