Since its official launch in August 2017, the Teaching Tolerance Educator Grants program has gotten off to an exciting start! We are thrilled to support a diverse array of passionate educators from all over the United States as they endeavor to make their schools more compassionate, culturally competent and just.
At a high school in Connecticut, social justice artist Zulynette Morales facilitated a multi-day workshop for students, leading them in creating and expressing their personal manifestoes of identity and self-empowerment through spoken-word poetry and visual art. The workshop was so successful that it inspired one participant, the school’s security guard, to start an after-school club: Rock the Mic. This club provides space for students to express themselves weekly with poetry and music.
A middle school teacher in Illinois is using his grant funding to devise a comprehensive mentoring program that combines restorative justice, psychology of persuasion and culturally competent practices to improve students’ academic outcomes. To strengthen their community, students in the program carry out service projects in their local elementary schools, faith organizations and food pantries. Students also mentor younger students, providing personal academic support and vital encouragement to succeed. As mentors and mentees alike qualify as “at risk,” the connection builds confidence all around, drawing on mutual personal resonance with each other’s challenges and lived experiences. A videographer will be documenting the restorative justice component of the program. Stay tuned!
In California, a middle school art teacher will hold a district-wide GSA Forum, bringing together LGBTQ students, teachers, allies and community support organizations throughout the region. GSA student officers and their faculty advisors will organize the four-hour event. The forum will bring together students from every middle and high school in the district in a supportive environment, where members will share stories of personal identity and success. Students will set up collaborative games, share meals, exchange powerful ideas and discuss their concerns at a roundtable discussion.
We are pleased to support these inspiring projects happening in schools nationwide. Catch the next grantee spotlight, and learn more about the Grants program here.
Grant applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Apply today to be considered in the next round of applicants!
Ehrenhalt is the school-based programming and grants manager with Teaching Tolerance.
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