Free Training:  JASON Professional Development Grants Now Available!

JASON is now accepting proposals from school districts and local education agencies interested in receiving free onsite JASON Professional Development workshops to help their teachers use JASON curricula resources. Both teacher workshops and train-the-trainer seminars are available. Selected Organizations will receive:

1. A free onsite professional development workshop spanning 2-5 days, depending on the curricula topics covered. Workshop includes trainer stipend and travel expenses, one copy of relevant curricula for each attendee, and workshop lab supplies.
2. Unlimited free online curriculum resources for teachers to use with students (at teacher workshops) and professional development resources for trainers (at train-the-trainer seminars.)
3. Ongoing support from JASON staff and trainers via email and telephone.

Using the downloadable forms on this page, organizations may apply for grants up to $50,000 worth of professional development! Requests for additional funding may be made by contacting JASON. Schools and districts are encouraged to work together to submit joint proposals that will reach large numbers of students.  

JASON is specifically interested in Organizations that will commit to using JASON curricula in 2010-2011 as a core resource in grades 5-8 for a significant portion of instructional time on the relevant science unit(s) -- weather, ecology, energy and/or geology -- and that will provide data and observations regarding the effectiveness of this implementation. 

Grant Recipient Requirements:
Grant recipients will be responsible for each of the following requirements. If your Organization cannot meet one or more of the requirements below, but still wishes to apply for free professional development, please contact Michael Apfeldorf at mapfeldorf@jason.org or 703-726-4224 to discuss the specific situation -- and an exception may be granted.

• Identify a minimum of 7 educators per curriculum to attend all days of the workshop. Maximum attendance at each workshop is 25; however, organizations may apply for multiple workshops on the same topic. Your organization is responsible for any related teacher pay or substitute teacher costs. Attendees must be identified at least 30 days prior to the workshop and will be required to complete JASON rosters and surveys at the workshop.
  
• Host the workshop at a local facility in adherence with JASON onsite workshop requirements (including a classroom and a computer lab with a computer/Internet for each attendee) and identify a local logistics contact to facilitate classroom/lab setup, receipt of materials, and other logistics. For comprehensive requirements, see: http://www.jason.org/public/store/pdtechreq.aspx. 
  
• Facilitate implementation of JASON curricula as core instructional resources in spring 2010 or the 2010-2011 school year.  (E.g. aligning and implementing JASON resources to local pacing guides.) Note that your Organization will need to provide student books (print and/or free online access) and lab supplies.   
  
• Provide information on the teacher and student experience when JASON is used as a core resource in grades 5-8 for a significant portion of instructional time on the relevant science unit(s) -- weather, ecology, energy, and/or geology. (E.g. Via the administration of student pre- and post- tests.)

Apply Now!

• To apply, download and complete the appropriate form below. All proposals should illustrate how the Organization plans to accomplish each of the grant recipient requirements. The downloadable forms on this page are designed to guide you through the process. 
  
• Proposal Application Form for Teacher Workshops (Word doc) - complete this form if you are interested in obtaining free professional development for educators who will be using JASON with students.
• Proposal Application Form for Train-the-Trainer Seminars (Word doc) - complete this form if you are interested in obtaining free professional development for educators who will be training or mentoring teachers to use JASON with students.
  
• When completed, please email your form to: mapfeldorf@jason.org.
  
• JASON will evaluate proposals on a rolling basis, as soon as they are submitted, and will begin awarding grants immediately, until all funds are expended. Early submission is strongly encouraged.