Teacher Grants for Innovation

Teacher Grants for Innovation is sponsored by The Georgia Foundation for Public Education (through the Georgia Teachers Initiative). This program awards grants to Georgia public school teachers to help bring their creative ideas to life and improve learning outcomes for students.

Georgia Teachers Initiative The Georgia Foundation for Public Education (GFPE), the College Football Playoff Foundation (CFPF), and the Atlanta Football Host Committee (AFHC), along with a host of campaign partners, have joined forces to create the Georgia Teachers Initiative, a state-wide program dedicated to giving teachers the resources they need and recognition they deserve as they work tirelessly to prepare Georgia’s PreK-12 students for an optimal life.

Join our online community to stay up-to-date on the latest updates, including grant opportunities, events, giveaways, and more! Through the Georgia Teachers Initiative, we are Nominate a teacher whose innovative approaches are making a difference for their students. Nominate a teacher whose innovative approaches are making a difference for their students.

Funding Innovative Projects Request funding to implement your innovative classroom project. Funding Innovative Projects Request funding to implement your innovative classroom project. Empowering Professional Growth Access resources to support your educator journey.

Empowering Professional Growth Access resources to support your educator journey. Georgia businesses and individuals can support teachers across the state with a tax-deductible gift to Georgia Teachers Initiative and can help fund Teacher Grants for Innovation through GFPE’s PEACH Education Tax Credit , where donors will receive a dollar-for-dollar tax credit for their donation.

"I plan to use the Teacher Grants for Innovation funds to purchase a VR headset for my classroom so my students can create 3-dimensional art in virtual reality and have the opportunity to integrate technical advancements with timeless concepts of beauty and creativity."

Matthew Lathrop K-5 Visual Arts Teacher “The funding from the GTI Award will purchase KIBO, a robotic system that allows young elementary students to combine reading comprehension and robotics as they learn to code the robot to summarize the story they read.

” Elizabeth Proctor K-2 STEM Teacher “My GTI-funded project fosters leadership and problem-solving skills in high school students as they work to develop a hands-on STEM program for 4th and 5th-grade students in an economically disadvantaged housing complex. ” Leon Grant High School Pre-Engineering/STEM Teacher “Applying for GTI grant funds was simple and with the funding I will be able to take my forensics unit to the next level.

Students will now be able to use blood typing kids, fingerprint analysis, and more as they work to solve the crime during our crime science lab. ” Kylie Garrard Middle School STEM Teacher "Mrs. Parham fosters an environment where creativity and critical thinking flourish, constantly seeking new ways to engage her students.

Her dedication to innovation not only enhances the learning experience but also prepares her students for the challenges of a rapidly evolving world." Ashley Parham Jasper County Primary School, 1st grade teacher "Ms. Shipman uses different strategies to help students solve problems. She is highly passionate and gets her students excited about learning.

Her method of teaching is a phenomenon. Greta Shipman 5th Grade Teacher, Factory Shoals Elementary "Mrs. Brown is constantly incorporating cutting-edge technology into her classroom. She fearlessly embraces new technology and passes it onto her students, and her love and dedication to her students and towards her profession are without limit."

Gail Brown 6th Grade Teacher, East Cobb Middle School “Mrs. Hong constantly explores new topics through research and data and teaches critical thinking skills when analyzing a challenge. Through innovation and creativity, she reaches and teaches all kids. She connects well with children of different personalities and learning abilities and guides them on the right path of education.

” Virginia Hong Fourth Grade Teacher, Murdock Elementary School “Ms. Rivera-Suarez is always looking for innovative ways to make science come alive for her students. In 2024, more students participated in the science fair than ever before – a completely voluntary activity. Their participation was attributed to Ms. Rivera-Suarez, who motivated them to make their most innovative science ideas come to life.

” Yolanda Rivera-Suarez Eighth Grade Science Teacher, Creekland Middle School “Mrs. Corbin exemplifies innovation in the classroom by encouraging engagement through Project-Based Learning. She offers students unique learning experiences and makes learning accessible for all her students. ” Staci Corbin 5th grade ELA & Social Studies Teacher, Trion Elementary School “I have Dr. Jones to thank for my love of science.

I will always attribute my success in the science field to her. Not only did she facilitate my interest, but she engaged in it with me. Dr. Jones truly deserves this recognition because, without her, I would not be pursuing entry into Howard University's BS-MD Program!

” Tiffany Jones High School Science Teacher, South Cobb High School "Ms. McDowell advocates for all learners to be actively involved in their education. Her dedication is unmatched, and she strives to bring real-life issues into the classroom to engage students in the practical side of science education. Ms. McDowell is a change agent to the core and a great role model for new and veteran teachers.

” Crystal McDowell High School Science Teacher, Greenbrier High School Mrs. Spillman has been teaching music for 23 years and is constantly looking for ways to inspire and bring the musical arts to life. She understands the importance of the impact arts can have on a child's life and is a treasure to our school.

Terra Spillman Music Teacher, Providence Elementary School Ms. Patterson is a natural innovator and provides creative instruction to her students. She makes learning fun and inviting for all her students by providing alternative seating and instruction in her beautiful classroom. Meredith Patterson Kindergarten Teacher, Woodstation Elementary School “Mrs. Hamilton exemplifies innovation in the classroom.

She makes learning fun by building on students’ background knowledge and using practical, everyday situations to teach complex ideas. Mrs. Hamilton's biggest mode of measurable impact is the relationships she builds with her students. She works to get to know them, to make them feel welcome, seen and heard in her class.

She treats students with respect, and they love her for it. ” Keisha Hamilton 7th Grade Language Arts & Social Studies Teacher, Jefferson Middle School “Ms. Johnson has a unique way of seeing a problem and finding solutions to meet the needs of her students. While teaching Special Education, she saw a need for more training on how General Education and Special Education teachers can collaborate better together.

She has since stepped into a general education teacher role and is now serving as a teacher leader to help improve collaboration among all teachers." Jennifer Johnson 4th Grade Teacher, Tesnatee Gap Elementary School “Mrs.Parris is always trying new ways to help us understand the assignment. She uses many different teaching styles.

I learned so much in the short year I had her class. Great teaching strategies and great teacher. She made me love math again.

Her ways of teaching impact me and my relationship with math. ” Courtney Parris Math Teacher, Trion High School “Ms. Hicks really gets to know her students and what motivates them, what they struggle with and why. By seeing the big picture, she can incorporate this into her goals for each kid.

She works as a team with fellow faculty to make sure each child stays engaged throughout the day which is no small feat with a classroom full of kindergarten children. She is very communicative and keeps parents in the loop and asks for feedback every step of the way. ” Ashley Hicks Kindergarten Teacher, Whitesburg Elementary School “Mr. Rivas is a dedicated teacher who is committed to educating students.

He has a long history of public service, teaching, and working with youth. He tutors young people, started a track and field club for students, transports senior citizens to medical appointments, and volunteers at the Atlanta Food Bank. Mr. Rivas has a heart for teaching and is committed to improving the lives of students.

” Stephon Rivas 6th Grade Math Teacher, DeKalb International School "Mrs. Dillon's classroom exudes innovation. Her students use underwater robotics to learn science, technology, engineering, and math. When you walk into Mrs. Dillon’s room, the first thing you observe is students collaborating and communicating about issues our world is facing.

She knocks down the walls of her classroom by taking her students on learning adventures and connecting them with industry professionals and organizations." Raegan Dillon Middle School Engineering & Robotics Teacher, STEM Academy at Bartlett "Mr. Chatman puts forth every effort to optimize his students’ engagement in math by developing interesting and engaging hands-on lessons that are authentic to real life experiences.

I refer to his teaching style as everyday math excursions. He takes students on mathematical explorations in order to solve, expound on, and/or create math language problems (numeracy) that fit the particular ‘outside of the classroom’ experience and/or excursion." Anthony Chatman 7th Grade Math Teacher, Dublin Middle School "Coach Hobbs goes above and beyond to ensure her students grow and learn.

She uses creative ways to keep the students engaged through games, teams, activities and interactive lessons. She sets high expectations for the students and pushes them to reach their potential. Her door is always open to students and fellow teachers in need of her help.

She believes every student can learn and will do whatever it takes to reach those considered unreachable. Her test scores reflect the students’ hard work and perseverance she expects and guides in her classroom." Brittany Hobbs High School Math Teahcer, Treutlen County High School Ms. Summers exemplifies innovation through her transformative approach to learning and integration of technology and hands-on experiences.

She adapts lessons to cater to diverse learning styles, ensuring every student can contribute meaningfully. Her ability to inspire curiosity and foster a love for learning has left a lasting impression on her students, equipping them with the skills, confidence, and motivation needed for future success in academic and personal endeavors.

Francesca Summers 4th grade teacher, Kemp Elementary School Ms. Pernell uses a blend of technology, project-based learning, and real-world applications to make lessons memorable. Her dedication to her students extends beyond academics, as she encourages them to develop essential skills like collaboration, critical thinking, and self-expression. Her impact is evident in her students’ increased confidence and enthusiasm for learning.

Marie Pernell 3rd Grade Teacher Edwin S. Kemp Elementary School, Clayton County Public Schools Ms. Ball exemplifies innovation by creating a classroom environment that disrupts traditional approaches to math education. Her innovative teaching methods have led to measurable improvements in student performance, including higher math test scores and increased engagement with challenging content.

Tiffany Ball 7th Grade Math, Eighth Street Middle School, Tift County Schools "Mrs. Desmangles teaches the Financial Literacy Pathway and teaches her students how all subjects tie into financial literacy. She pays attention to her student group to incorporate real life scenarios into her lessons with interactive projects."

Merlande Desmangles Financial Literacy Teacher, Hiram High School "Mrs. Davenport comes up with a project and demonstration for every unit to help her students understand and love science. She breaks it down and shows the kids what they couldn't imagine without seeing it." Melissa Davenport 3rd grade Science & Math Teacher, Georgia School for Innovation and the Classics "Ms. Ajileye makes science engaging and relevant!

Her hands-on projects, like a recent air quality study after the Conyers chemical fire, inspire critical thinking and real-world problem-solving. She fosters collaboration and uses interactive technology to enhance learning—empowering students every step of the way!"

Omoleye Ajileye 10th grade Science Teacher "For nearly 20 years, Ms. McAuley’s Outdoor Classroom Program has tackled habitat loss across Georgia by transforming a barren lot into a thriving ecosystem. Partnering with local experts and students, she’s led rewilding efforts, connecting students to nature and giving them ownership of environmental stewardship."

Jennifer McAuley 7th grade Science Teacher "Kelly brings innovation to her classroom by blending English learning with students’ home languages, creating a space that celebrates their culture while building new skills. Her creative approach makes language learning meaningful and inclusive."

Kelly Thomas Elementary School ESOL teacher "Dr. Smith works really hard to provide every opportunity to her students - writing recommendation letters, sponsoring clubs, participating in competitions. Thanks to her dedication, our class submitted proposals to a NASA student competition, and one group won! Now, we're working with actual NASA engineers to build an experiment, all because of her incredible effort and support."

Dr. Cassy Smith 9th & 12th Grade Physics Teacher, Decatur High School "Ms. McBride brings innovation to the classroom every day, ensuring all scholars have the tools they need to succeed. She collaborates with other colleagues in and out of school hours to bring new ways of learning to her classroom."

Candy McBride 3rd Grade Math & Science Teacher, Kemp Elementary School "Ms. Kirby brings innovation to each lesson, using technology and manipulatives to keep her students engaged. Her interactive science projects inspire curiosity and help her students discover their passions." Janet Kirby Elementary Special Education Teacher, Rockbridge Elementary School "Dr. Amarapu makes science enjoyable and engaging for her students.

She understands everyone is not a science enthusiast but works hard to use clear explanations, analogies and frequent labs to help all students understand challenging content." Dr. Poornima Amarapu 11th Grade Biology Teacher, Druid Hills High School "Ms. Reese is dedicated to supporting the unique needs of every student, consistently going above and beyond to create an environment where all feel valued and capable.

Her creative lesson plans, individualized interventions, and strong collaboration have made a profound impact on countless students with diverse abilities." Marybeth Reese Middle School ELA Special Education Teacher, Georgia School for Innovation & the Classics Complete our brief form to nominate a teacher to be recognized for their unique and innovative ways of engaging and inspiring students.

Apply for an Innovation Grant We invite teachers to apply for a Teacher Grants for Innovation award to help bring your creative ideas for your classroom to life. As Atlanta gets set to host the 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship, the impact of the game extends far beyond the field and into the community.

The Atlanta Football Host Committee (AFHC) and the College Football Playoff Foundation (CFPF), in partnership with the Georgia Foundation for Public Education (GFPE) have created a comprehensive strategy to support, engage, connect, and provide resources to Georgia’s PreK-12 teachers through a newly developed statewide platform, Georgia Teachers Initiative.

Our collective purpose in developing the Georgia Teachers Initiative is to empower teachers and inspire our community to support the education workforce. Frequently Asked Questions Why was the Georgia Teachers Initiative created?

As Atlanta prepares to host the 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship, the Atlanta Football Host Committee in partnership with the College Football Playoff Foundation (CFPF) work closely to identify high-need areas where positive impact can be created.

After speaking with partners in the region, we collectively decided to develop the statewide platform, Georgia Teachers Initiative, which is in line with the work CFPF has done year in and year out. We are honored to have a chance to positively impact educators as we prepare to host the biggest event in college football.

Contribute to the PEACH Education Tax Credit to support the initiative and in return receive a dollar-for-dollar tax credit on your Georgia state income taxes. If you are District Staff, School Leader, School Faculty, or another member of a Georgia school community, you can also nominate a teacher who is innovating in the classroom to receive special recognition and a monetary award. What is the PEACH Education Tax Credit?

A program granted to Georgians by our legislature that allows individuals and corporations to play a vital role in spurring innovation in Georgia schools while receiving a 100% state income tax credit for their contribution to the Georgia Foundation for Public Education.