WHAT IS THE LEF SUMMER FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM?

Since the inception of this LEF program in 2003, the purpose of Summer Fellowships has been to inspire and rejuvenate teachers in their lifelong pursuit of knowledge.  In turn, students benefit directly from the learning experiences of their teachers.

Monies awarded through the fellowship enable individual or groups of certified staff members to spend time during the summer months attending courses, seminars, or workshops; engaging in research and curriculum planning; or pursuing activities that promise to enhance their professional life and increase their experience and knowledge. The grant may be used to cover travel costs associated with these activities.  Fellowship proposals for opportunities that are only available during other school vacations will be considered.

The application must indicate how the Fellowship will improve the applicant’s professional practice, enhance student learning, and benefit the school.  If a group of teachers seek the same Summer Fellowship opportunity or wish to collaborate on a single project, each member of the group must submit a separate, individualized application.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO APPLY?

You are eligible to apply if you are a certified staff member with professional status currently working in a Lexington public school and you will be returning as a Lexington public school certified staff member in the academic year 2009 –2010.

HOW DO I APPLY FOR A SUMMER FELLOWSHIP?

To apply for an LEF Summer Fellowship, please fill out the on-line application form. (choose link to PDF or Word Doc above). Your proposal should be no longer than two pages. Be as detailed and specific as possible. Summer Fellowships may be granted for a maximum of $4000 per fellowship.

WHAT SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN AN APPLICATION?

The proposal must include:

• The purpose of your fellowship;
• How the fellowship will (1) improve your professional practice, (2) enhance your students’ learning, and (3) benefit your school;
• A description of how you will share the results of your fellowship; e.g., by presenting a paper or conducting a workshop for colleagues, or meeting with your curriculum leader to discuss results;
• The dollar amount, up to $4000.00, that you are requesting;
• A detailed breakdown of how you will spend your fellowship monies;
• Expenses can include tuition, registration fees, travel, purchases of materials or supplies, and room and board at LPS rates.
• Expenses cannot include stipends or funding for degree/certificate programs.
• Information about any time-sensitive deadlines (registration or tuition costs, for example) pertaining to your request;
• A statement, from your principal, department head, or superintendent certifying that your request for funding is not covered by the school system’s operating budget.
•  Two copies of a letter of support in a sealed envelope from your principal, department head, curriculum leader or superintendent. 
• A statement certifying that (1) you are currently a Lexington Public School certified staff member with professional status, and (2) you will be returning as a Lexington Public School certified staff member for the 2009-2010 academic year.

WHAT ARE THE FUNDING CRITERIA?

LEF will fund fellowship proposals based on merit and availability of funds, giving particular attention to how the program/project will enhance student learning and/or improve professional practice.  Grant monies must be used for the purposes stated in the applicant’s proposal. Any deviation from the spending plans contemplated in the proposal must be submitted for approval in writing (e-mail is acceptable) to a member of LEF’s Programs Team (see below).

WHEN AND WHERE ARE PROPOSALS DUE?

Grant proposals must be received on or before…

Monday, February 23, 2009, at 4:00 p.m.

Please submit 2 copies of your application:

• One hard copy with the letter(s) of support and background information to:

LEF, c/o LPS Central Office, 146 Maple Street, Lexington, MA 02420

• One electronic copy of the application with cover sheet to:

apply@lexedfoundation.org.

You will be sent confirmation that LEF has received the electronic copy.

WHEN WILL APPLICANTS BE NOTIFIED?

Applicants will be notified by Monday, March 16, 2009, for the 2009 Summer Fellowship program.  Successful applicants will earn the title of “LEF Summer Fellow”.

WHAT ARE THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF LEF SUMMER FELLOWS?

LEF Summer Fellows are required to:

• Complete the activities described in their proposals before the end of the fellowship period;
• Submit a one-page report about the fellowship to LEF’s Programs Team, by September 30, 2009;
• Share discoveries from their fellowship with their principal, department head, and colleagues;
• Seek approval from LEF of any changes in the implementation or focus of their project;
• Work with LEF to showcase the fellowship in the community; and
• Include the following statement when writing about your fellowship: "This fellowship is supported by a grant from the Lexington Education Foundation."

QUESTIONS?

If you have any questions, please contact your school liaison from the LEF Programs Team: