Page 81 - EdViewptsSpring2017

Next, I wanted to get buy-in from the these grants, but again wanted to mini- grant from Young Audiences of NJ to
teachers. I found a grant, co-sponsored mize their writing time. The solution — develop a “Creatively Green Family
by PSE&G and ANJEE, which wasn’t collaboration! We challenged the Arts Festival.” We even applied for and
need-based. I asked for volunteers to teachers to work with their grade level/ received a $120,000 DOE State grant
help write it. Since it was environmental- content area teams to develop a project to develop a digital data dashboard
ly focused, we proposed a greenhouse that the MEF would fund. The teachers (IIS). We are proud recipients, however,
in the courtyard of our 3-8 school. We used common planning time and profes- state grants can be cumbersome and
divided the application into smaller sional development days to complete bureaucratic. This one took every last
chunks. The teachers sent me their these grants. MEF funded all of them! resource and numerous personnel to
drafts. I combined them and sent it The teachers presented their results at complete. My advice: Don’t start here!
back. We continued to work together a district-wide faculty meeting. Among Every year we make time to celebrate
weekly. The result? We were only one these curriculum projects were a key- teacher successes. In addition to our
of three districts in the state to receive board lab, a poet in residence, a Sky faculty meeting, press releases go to
$15,000 to build our greenhouse! Dome, the creation of blankets for hospi- the local media about various grant
The following year, the administrators talized babies, and a STEAM Museum. projects. In June, our district newsletter
and I wanted to involve more teachers. reports on all grants (and grant totals)
We were starting a new reading pro- We wanted teachers to received. I also announce them at
gram and needed many trade books in apply for these grants, board meetings. We continue to build
classrooms. We wanted everyone to but again wanted to on our accomplishments. We keep
write a grant, but not spend hours do- challenging teachers to go one step fur-
ing it. Donors Choose was the perfect minimize their writing ther with more competitive grants. But
solution. I also let parents know about time. The solution — we continue to provide them support,
Donor’s Choose so they could con- common planning opportunities, and
tribute. Teachers could then apply for collaboration! release time if needed. In the meantime
additional grants, if they wanted, from teachers are honing a valuable skill that
Donors Choose for other classroom Grant writing has become part of our will continue to benefit their students.
materials. We had 100% participation school culture. Some teachers have There are many resources with guide-
from our classroom teachers (the only taken on additional challenges beyond lines and tips on how to write grants.
ones eligible to apply) and most, if not Donors Choose: Jersey Central Power But the most important way to create a
all, of the grants were funded. and Light (First Energy) gave our pre- grant culture is to roll up your sleeves,
The next year the Mountainside Educa- school teacher $410 for a light table model grant writing, and team up with
tion Foundation informed me that they for science experiments. The Westfield your faculty. This will give your teach-
were not receiving applications from YMCA gave our Physical Education ers confidence and reassurance that
many teachers. Not a bad problem to Department a $6,000 “Healthy U” grant you are all in this together.
have! We wanted teachers to apply for to promote health and wellness. El-
ementary teachers received a $10,000

References:
http://www.anjee.net/
https://www.donorschoose.org/
https://www.firstenergycorp.com/content/fecorp/community/firstenergy_foundation.html
http://www.mountainsideeducationfoundation.org/
http://www.state.nj.us/education/techno/iis/
http://www.wattsmountainside.org/
http://www.westfieldynj.org/childcare/healthy-u

About the Author
Nancy Lubarsky, Ed.D., has been an educator for more than 35 years in various roles as an English
teacher, curriculum supervisor, principal, adjunct professor, and currently superintendent in Mountainside,
New Jersey. She has also worked as a mentor for aspiring principals (NJL2L) and superintendents (NJASA).
She holds a Doctorate in English Education from Rutgers Graduate School of Education, an MA in Educa-
tional Leadership from Fairleigh Dickenson University, and an MA as a Reading Specialist from Montclair
State University. She earned her BA in English Education from Rutgers College. She has published articles
in numerous academic journals. In addition to writing grants and other academic pursuits, Dr. Lubarsky is a published
poet. Her second book of poetry, The Only Proof, is due out in May.

Educational Viewpoints -79- Spring 2017