Eight Gilroy teachers received grants ranging from $500 to
$1,000 from the Silicon Valley Education Foundation to create
unique classroom projects.
Eight Gilroy teachers received grants ranging from $500 to $1,000 from the Silicon Valley Education Foundation to create unique classroom projects.
The teachers were among 55 teachers countywide to have received Teacher Innovation Grants, which are handed out quarterly and were announced March 26.
Among the Gilroy recipients was Carmen Kotto, a sixth grade teacher from South Valley Middle School, who was recognized for her project making math and science more fun for students who have a hard time grasping concepts. With computer programs like Wiggle Woods and Vroot Vroom, she can present the topics through fun programs students will want to use and at the same time learn from. She received a $500 grant to execute the project. 
Eric Martin, Carolyn Hamilton, Courtney Wenzel and Margarida Oliveira of Rod Kelley Elementary School were recognized for their project to give students the opportunity to go out and experience science in a real world setting. The teachers will be taking their students to Henry Cowell State Park.
Kim Lozano, Claire Thome and Cynthia Villagomez, also from Rod Kelley, were recognized for their project of making math fun, Strike a SCORE for Math. The project allows students to apply mathematical skills to the real world while also having fun.
The grants of up to $500 – or $1,000 for a collaborative grant – are awarded to selected teachers or groups of teachers who work in one of the 34 school districts or charter schools in Santa Clara County.
Since 2006, SVEF has awarded 353 grants totaling more than $200,000 for a variety of creative projects. The grants are funded through donors such as NVIDIA, the Intero Foundation and PG&E.
The deadline for the next round of grants is May 1.
To apply for a grant, go to www.svefoundation.org and click on Teacher Innovation Grants.
