Teaching & Learning Grants
Teaching &
Learning Grants
The Ripon Education Foundation encourages academic achievement through financial support that provides
enhanced learning and teaching opportunities for all students and teachers within the District. Since 1997,
Foundation teaching and learning grants have helped fund a wide array of teaching and learning tools and
experiences.
Teaching and Learning Grants have enriched learning for students in all of Ripon’s schools
in a variety ways. Recent examples include:
- Purchase of iPads for the Barlow Park Music Center
- Cultures and Tastes of the Western Hemisphere for Middle School Social Studies
- World Language Teaching Proficiency (professional development for language teachers) at Ripon High School/Lumen Charter School
- Classroom Nature Observation Corners for Barlow Park Elementary School
- Tower Garden Challenge (science project) for Murray Park Elementary/Quest Charter
- Hokki Stools and other Flexible Seating (for students who struggle with focus) in all schools
- In My Zone (purchase of heart rate monitors to teach fitness) for Middle School
- Our Journey to Health and Wellness (engaging over 180 students in unique fitness development at Ripon College Wilmore Center) for Barlow Park Elementary/Journey Charter
Teachers may apply for teaching and learning grants by completing and submitting the online application.
Approval begins with the beginning of the school year. Awards are made, based on published criteria, as proposals are approved and as long as funds are available.
Dr. Richard Zimman Innovative Teaching Grant
Dr. Zimman, former Ripon Area School District superintendent of schools, and his wife Valerie Cox, establisheda fund for a special innovative grant of up to $1,000. The grant is awarded annually each spring and may beused for innovative teaching activities in the summer, fall, or spring of the following year.- 2017– Young Author’s Day (Writing workshop led by a classically trained mime who helps students write their own stories.) - Barlow Elementary
- 2018 – Mindfulness Matters (professional development to prepare seven teachers to help those with immediate needs as well as lead the entire class in activities that build resilience, compassion, and gratitude.) - Barlow Elementary School.
- 2019 - Economic Trade Book Study (Expanding student learning beyond the textbook. The goal is that the economic lessons embedded in each book help students as they become active consumers and participants in a changing economic landscape.) - Ripon High School
Teachers are invited to apply for Dr. Zimman Innovative Teaching Grant by completing and submitting the onlineapplication. Application deadlines are due at the end of February or early March each year.
- 2017– Young Author’s Day (Writing workshop led by a classically trained mime who helps students write their own stories.) - Barlow Elementary
- 2018 – Mindfulness Matters (professional development to prepare seven teachers to help those with immediate needs as well as lead the entire class in activities that build resilience, compassion, and gratitude.) - Barlow Elementary School.
- 2019 - Economic Trade Book Study (Expanding student learning beyond the textbook. The goal is that the economic lessons embedded in each book help students as they become active consumers and participants in a changing economic landscape.) - Ripon High School
Teachers are invited to apply for Dr. Zimman Innovative Teaching Grant by completing and submitting the online
application. Application deadlines are due at the end of February or early March each year.
How Grant Proposals are Selected
The Ripon Education Foundation Grants Committee reviews teaching and learning grant proposals
according to the following educational criteria:
1. Student Learning – Proposed activities directly impact current student learning
2. Innovation/Engagement – Proposal provides or supports engaging learning experiences for RASD students
3. Relevance – Proposed activities align with the goals and initiatives of the Ripon Area School District
4. Funding – Proposal includes detailed budget. Adequate funding is not readily available in the RASD budget
5. Feasibility – Proposed activities can be accomplished
6. Authorization – Proposal is signed by an administrator
