In my classroom, I see a need to advocate for a Mimio to support my struggling learners. This interactive tool would allow them to manipulate content on the board, making lessons more engaging and accessible. It would also enrich learning for all students by promoting hands-on participation and interactive problem-solving.

If I were to write another grant proposal, I would advocate for a Mimio, as it provides a flexible, interactive learning experience that supports all students, especially those who need additional engagement and accessibility.

I have not previously written a grant application; however, I am eager to advocate for student learning and technology that will directly support my diverse group of students. As a middle school educator, I recognize the significant impact that equitable access to educational tools can have on student success, particularly in literacy and cross-curricular learning.

In my classroom, I see a strong need for assistive technology that enhances accessibility for all students. Many of my students benefit from speech-to-text tools, but not all have access to high-quality headphones with built-in microphones. These devices would allow all learners—especially those with literacy challenges, language barriers, or fine motor difficulties—to engage more effectively in writing and comprehension tasks.

Additionally, some students struggle with fine motor skills, making the use of a flat laptop trackpad frustrating and inefficient. To support their learning, I would advocate for a supply of tactile, click-and-move computer mice to improve their ability to navigate digital platforms with ease.

Beyond hardware, access to engaging literacy apps outside of school hours is essential. While students currently have access to Epic!, access is blocked after 3:00 PM, meaning students cannot use it at home or even during the last 40 minutes of our school day. Since our school schedule is longer than most, this restriction limits opportunities for independent reading, particularly during Panther Academic Time (PAT). Securing funding to remove this access barrier would ensure that students can continue reading both at home and in school when it best fits their learning schedule.

Furthermore, while students have access to Sora, books are borrowed on a loan system, meaning they are not always readily available. Securing funding for additional literacy resources, such as an Audible subscription or a dedicated eBook platform for students who require read-aloud accommodations, would further support diverse learning needs.

By securing funding for these essential tools, I aim to break down barriers to learning, ensuring that every student has the resources they need to succeed, both in and beyond the classroom.

I lied, I actually applied and received the Indigo Love of Reading Grant from Indigo Books for $5000 in 2019, although not technology related.

Also, after using the Bee Bots this week I was introduced to Sphero's. These were super easy and fun to use. My colleague has her own set from a grant she applied for. I'd also love to have a set. The kids loved them and they are proving to be a great reward for a student with some behavioral challenges.

In my classroom, I have the need for tablets for my literacy stations and to make project work more accessible for students with adaptations. I try to use my own devices but then I am left with no computer or tablet to complete formative and summative assessment. A few tablets for my ELA classes would allow me to better support students who need audiobooks and the apps available on an ipad are far superior to the Chromebook for things like drawing, educational games or any other application that doesn't work well with a small trackpad.

Having one or two designated ipads to help support my curriculum and student learning needs is exactly what I need in the classroom!

I started my research with the basics of grant writing as the process is new to me.

https://www.adoptaclassroom.org/fundraising-guide-classroom-grant-writing/

This website is great because it gives examples along with tips like adding photos, etc.

One group of students that I would like to advocate for is students with ADHD and other focus issues.

I would love to be able to offer these students quality noise canceling headphones with microphones attached for using speech to text. Noise canceling headphones will support my students to be more productive and their working memory.

I tried to link a website that I made through google sites with Selena Bannerman last year for our Elementary Math Certificate program. On the website there are resources and information about supporting students with ADHD.

Here are some more websites/ articles that has information about supporting ADHD learners.

1. https://www.cdc.gov/adhd/treatment/classroom.html

2. https://www.understood.org/en/articles/6-things-your-grade-schooler-with-adhd-can-say-to-self-advocate

3. https://caddac.ca/wp-content/uploads/Tips-and-Strategies-for-the-educators-and-parents.pdf

I have written a grant application for a business, to receive digital devices for my photography business when I started it back in 2012 when I qualified for 'youth' business funding. I was successful and received the funding for basics for an office startup (computer, etc.). The advice I received at the time was to be extremely specific about the questions and guidelines, to not skip any component, and to be incredibly thorough and detailed.

Now think of your classroom, is there a particular student or group of students that needs to be advocated for?  Perhaps there is an initiative you need to advocate resources for.

In my classroom, the students that need advocating for are the ones that have low-income status and cannot provide for themselves additional resources such as headphones and field trip costs. I could also require support for students that need hands-on learning opportunities such as in-class gardening opportunities.

What is one piece of educational technology that you would like to receive if you were to write a grant proposal?

If I could write a grant proposal I'd ask for a 3D printer so that students could have hands-on representations of what we are learning about, and also could design and create pieces to coincide with their Genius Hour projects.

I shared the Digital Art project inspired by Vickers and Harrison with the Grade 7 team and we will be incorporating it into our Term 3 art assignments! Right now, we’re in crunch time wrapping up for report cards, but it’s on the docket for next term!

Grant Writing Experience

I wrote a grant application in 2018 to apply for the $500 available to teachers from the NSTU. I wrote the grant to ask for funding to purchase two camera's for the school - one a go pro, and a second camera for the broadcast news team. The grant was approved. In 2020, I went through the process again, completing a SEEDS grant application to purchase materials for students' Genius Hour projects, which was also successful. My biggest takeaway from these experiences? While I’ve had success, grant writing takes a lot of time! That said, with tools like ChatGPT and access to examples and resources, it might be a little easier moving forward.

Advocating for struggling math learners

In my math classroom, I have a lot of students who struggle with math facts, problem-solving, and confidence in their math skills. Some need extra support to break problems down into smaller steps, while others benefit from hands-on, interactive ways to engage with the material. I also have students who need support with organizing their thinking and staying on track with multi-step problems.

Proposed Ed Tech

I would like to apply for funding to purchase 10 iPads for my math classroom. The primary use of this ed tech would be to set up an interactive digital screen at each of the 10 vertical whiteboards in the classroom. Having iPads at each station would allow me to track student progress in math in real-time and use with formative assessment to support my struggling learners in math.

In October 2023, I applied for the Teacher Wish List Grant from the TeachersPlus Credit Union. A month later, I was thrilled to receive an email confirming that I had been awarded $250. My wish list focused on acquiring a variety of math manipulatives to enhance instruction, promote exploration, and support a hands-on approach to learning. In my application, I emphasized how manipulatives foster inclusive classrooms by providing physical tools that accommodate diverse learning styles. These resources empower students to demonstrate their knowledge, deepen their understanding, and engage with complex mathematical concepts in meaningful ways.

Now think of your classroom, is there a particular student or group of students that needs to be advocated for?  Perhaps there is an initiative you need to advocate resources for.

In my classroom, I work with students of varying abilities, including those who are nonverbal or require additional academic support. Traditional instruction does not always meet their unique learning needs. A set of iPads or tablets would provide essential assistive technology tools, adaptive learning apps, and interactive educational programs to enhance engagement and accessibility.

What is one piece of educational technology that you would like to receive if you were to write a grant proposal?

Advocating for a set of iPads or tablets with adaptive learning apps and assistive technology features. These devices would support diverse learners by providing Speech-to-Text Apps, Text-to-Speech Tools and symbol-based communication for nonverbal students.

I would also advocate for additional Chromebooks to ensure that every student in my classroom has access to their own device. Currently, our Chromebook cart does not have enough for each student, which limits opportunities for integration of technology in learning. Ensuring each student has a device promotes digital equity, allowing all learners to engage with online resources, research, and collaborative tools without sharing issues.

How To Write A Grant Proposal Step-by-Step | Things Have Changed!

The video titled "How To Write A Grant Proposal Step-by-Step | Things Have Changed!" provides a comprehensive guide to crafting effective grant proposals, highlighting recent changes in the process.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-V0tYq3nCm8

Teachers Plus Credit Union - Education Grants

• Offers funding opportunities for Nova Scotia teachers.

• Website: https://www.teachersplus.ca

Canadian Teachers’ Federation (CTF/FCE) - Grants and Resources

• Provides funding resources and advocacy tools for teachers across Canada.

• Website: https://www.ctf-fce.ca

Government of Nova Scotia - Grants and Funding for Education

• Lists funding programs available to educators, including professional development grants and student support programs.

• Website: https://novascotia.ca/programs

Canadian Grant & Funding Opportunities

The TeacherGeek Canadian Grant Funding Opportunities page provides a list of grants available to educators in Canada. It is designed to help teachers and schools secure funding for STEM, hands-on learning, and classroom innovation.

https://teachergeek.com/pages/canadian-grant-funding-opportunities?srsltid=AfmBOorWIfcSM7CyrtH0Ilc2j4UoGSfrgfzkLzILMhbVdQ10ea1EvgRX

Have you ever written a grant before?

No, I do not have any experiencing writing or preparing a proposal for a grant.

Advocating for Students

As part of my job assignment, I work with two sections of students that are in the Extended Support Program. All students are on IPPs and many are on the spectrum. Each student requires a variety of specific support. It would be great to have each student have access to a laptop in school as well as at home. More EPAs in the classroom would truly benefit students as scribing services are a big part of my job and it's difficult when you are the only person in the room of 12-15 students.

Educational Technology

Head sets for all of the students would also be an asset.

Grant writing experience:

I have no experience writing grants. The only experience I have with grants was in 2020 I was a summer student and I worked at a community recreation centre. A large part of my job was to research and source grants that we were eligible to apply to throughout the winter for funding for next year. The grants were all related to some kind of community active living programming.

Who would I advocate for?

In particular, I would advocate for more up to date technology in order to have a one on one ratio of students to technology. Many of my students do not have access to technology at home which makes it difficult when it comes to finishing their work, doing research, or even checking to see what they are missing on Google Classroom. Additionally, many of the Chromebook I have in my room do not work well and are unreliable for students to use.

Something else I would advocate for is better wifi in our schools. Often times, when there are 25 students trying to get on the wifi in my classroom it just doesn't work. This can be frustrating and is harmful for the students who rely on adaptive technology such as read and write or speech to text in order for them to complete their work. These two issues together often make me nervous to opt to use technology as it is so unreliable.

What would I advocate for?

As an ELA teacher reading is a large part of the curriculum. To make reading more accessible in the classroom I would love to see more resources for audio books and reading including reliable headphones. Additionally, I think it would be great to have access to e-readers like a Kobo or Kindle as I often struggle to keep students focused when they are reading on programs like SORA. When students use computers to read they can get distracted so I think that having E-readers would allow students to listen to audio books and without having the distraction of the internet.

I never tried any grant application. To be honest I didn't know about grant application, and I was used to address issues with whatever the materials I have. I applied regular classroom materials reinbursement from school often for junior high science lab. I am very interested to explore any available resource I can apply for my students in need.

Now think of your classroom, is there a particular student or group of students that needs to be advocated for? Perhaps there is an initiative you need to advocate resources for.

I recently experience some difficulties in dissection lab in Biology class. Some students had mental and physical resistance of dissection due to allergy reaction of smells mammal eye balls. I would like to have virtal dissection lab for these students on technology device to experience the dissection experiment.

Also, I had a student in my math class in past year can performance much better on technology device than typical paperwork in class since he is more interested at technology. I believe if I have applied a tablet for his math study, he would had a much better math learning experience and mental support in class.

What is one piece of educational technology that you would like to receive if you were to write a grant proposal?

I would like to receive educational support tablets in classroom. Tablets can run different apps for visual, verbal, writting, listening, and modeling support. It is also similar to smartphone as the routine technology students carries.

Have you ever written a grant application before? No

Who would I advocate for?

Those students who appear “disengaged or unmotivated”, potentially due to low reading and writing levels, being English second language students or students who are working below grade level (IPP). 

What is one piece of educational technology?

A combination of assistive technology software and tablets to support struggling readers and math learners through interactive, adaptive instruction. I would specifically like to have a class set of tablets over laptops as we have lost access to some apps with the new cell phone policy.

https://soeonline.american.edu/blog/education-advocacy/

This article is basically about how education advocacy helps make sure all students, especially those who face extra challenges, get the support they need to succeed. It talks about how teachers, parents, and other advocates work together to push for better policies, funding, and resources in schools. The whole idea is that when people step up and fight for change, it leads to more inclusive classrooms and better opportunities for all students.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KyAeMYNeZpw

​In the video "How to Write a Grant Proposal: 4 Golden Rules," the presenter shares essential tips for crafting successful grant proposals.

1. Who do you need to convince? Know your audience

2. Clearly define the problem

3. What are you going to do?

4. You’re the expert! Be confident!

I have never applied for a grant, but a fellow teacher of mine has applied for grants and has been able to provide her students with some amazing learning experiences through it.

Who would I advocate for:

If I were to apply for a grant, I would like to secure funding for more up-to-date technology, as my Chromebooks are very old and sometimes cannot properly access online learning. In addition to advocating for my students' learning experience, I would also like to explore options for bringing in someone to lead workshops with teachers. I feel that integrating technology into the classroom can be very intimidating, but with proper support and training, it would remove hesitation and help educators feel more confident in using technology effectively.

What would I advocate for?

In addition to advocating for my students' learning experience through technology, I would like to receive more tablets for students to use in the classroom, particularly for filming ads and using green screens as part of creative projects. Additionally, at my school, we have many ESL students, but we do not have enough tablets for them to use for translation. Having access to more tablets would allow these students to communicate more effectively with their teachers and peers, ensuring they can fully participate in classroom discussions and learning.

Before I begin, I did try out the Canva and Me slides with my students. I have never assigned a canva task to students before so the experience in how to share and post it was learning as I went in the lesson. (After a student accidentally changed the colour on everyone's copy). They did enjoy the activity for sure but I have a few more things to work on there. I have discovered the classroom set up page on Canva now so hopefully the next go will be smoother.

Grant Writing Experience:

I have not applied for a grant before. I know other teachers who have before and the outcome was beneficial to their students. For example, a teacher at my school applied for Make-Do kits for her classroom with Brilliant Labs. I have been a little intimidated by the process so I haven't done one myself yet.

Who would I advocate for?

I would really love to be able to advocate for updated technology or for additional resources to support the students who would benefit from a boost but are not receiving any in school supports. I would also like to advocate for resources for students who may benefit from extension tasks. I'd love to be able to set up a space for them to independently explore. Perhaps in the form of a class makerspace.

What would I advocate for in my proposal?

I think that in narrowing these ideas down, I would like to advocate for some STEAM starter kits to help me set up my makerspace with materials such as Make-Do's, Lego or KNex sets. As I already have some access to school chromebooks, advocating for individual tech would be something I may advocate for later in my classroom.

Resources I found for Advocating or for information:

This first link I found is a blog post about starting up a makerspace. In it, the author details the benefits, some supplies that would benefit, organization ideas and places to find supplies. Several ways to set it up as a designated Maker time or other ways to fit it into your schedule are also detailed. While this link doesn't go into grant application, the information could be used to help write your grants. https://teachoutsidethebox.com/so-you-want-to-start-a-makerspace/

This second link is to Brilliant Labs. This is a place where you can apply for project funding in Nova Scotia. I know teachers who have received funding for their projects with them and would be a great place to start. https://www.brilliantlabs.ca/funding

Have you ever written a grant application before? If so, give some brief details including if you were successful.
No, I haven’t written a grant application before.

Now think of your classroom, is there a particular student or group of students that needs to be advocated for? Perhaps there is an initiative you need to advocate resources for.
Yes, I have quite a few English language learners in my class, and I really feel like they need some extra support. They work hard, but it’s tough for them to keep up sometimes when there’s a language barrier. Whether it’s vocabulary, reading, or just trying to express themselves confidently, I can see how much they’d benefit from having more tools to help them feel successful.

What is one piece of educational technology that you would like to receive if you were to write a grant proposal?
If I were to apply for a grant, I’d love to get a set of tablets for my classroom. I think they’d be such a helpful resource for my English learners. With tablets, they could use translation tools, practice vocabulary with pictures and sounds, and even work on their speaking and listening skills in a way that feels fun and low-pressure. I just think it would open up a lot more opportunities for them to learn at their own pace and build confidence without feeling overwhelmed.

Have you ever written a grant application before? If so, give some brief details including if you were successful.

I have never written or applied for any kind of grant application. 

Now think of your classroom, is there a particular student or group of students that needs to be advocated for?  Perhaps there is an initiative you need to advocate resources for.

Teaching in a French Immersion classroom is interesting in a sense because I don’t have any EAL students or IPP’s. However, my students’ French proficiency levels are all over the place. Some students are francophones, who speak and write impeccably well. Others really struggle to communicate or write their ideas. I’d be interested in trying to level-out the “playing field” for students who are behind in their speaking and writing skills. 

What is one piece of educational technology that you would like to receive if you were to write a grant proposal?

This is a bit random, but there are Online French Dictionaries and Becherelles in app form that are available for purchase. While there are free resources that exist, different students are using different online dictionaries. Some are better than others, and I think it could be beneficial to have everyone using the same platform to check definitions, spelling and conjugations. I would want my students to have the same app downloaded onto their personal laptop or Chromebook.

I have written a few grant applications in the past for my business (with moderate success), but never for my classroom.

Now think of your classroom, is there a particular student or group of students that needs to be advocated for?

My classroom has, like any other, quite a variety of abilities and past experiences. I do feel that there are tech resources that would benefit all my diverse learners.

What is one piece of educational technology that you would like to receive if you were to write a grant proposal?

It's hard to choose one. iPads would certainly go a long way as there are many apps and programs that can support varying needs.

No, I have not.

Now think of your classroom, is there a particular student or group of students that needs to be advocated for? Perhaps there is an initiative you need to advocate resources for.

As a school counselor, I’ve been working on integrating outdoor learning into my practice. I strongly believe that getting students outside can be a powerful way to build connections, develop social-emotional skills, and make counseling more engaging. Since this isn’t something counselors typically do, I’ve personally purchased some materials to support outdoor activities and community-building lessons. Having access to additional resources would help me expand this approach and make it more sustainable.

What is one piece of educational technology that you would like to receive if you were to write a grant proposal?

I think I would be able to find a lot of ways to use digital cameras or an iPad in counseling, whether for capturing student projects, facilitating reflective activities, or using apps to support emotional regulation. A grant would be a great way to obtain these resources without having to cover the cost myself.

Resources for grant writing:

https://charityvillage.com/mastering-grant-writing-essential-tips-for-securing-funding/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

https://www.bestbuy.ca/en-ca/about/school-tech-grants/blt435b1a6205497079?utm_source=chatgpt.com