Fund for Teachers

Fund for Teachers (FFT)-Boston provides Boston Public Schools teachers with summer grants to pursue rich summer learning experiences.

"The inspiration for traditional music and dances of Brazil have enriched my life and touched my spirit so that I can transfer all of that knowledge to my students."

- Rosalba Solis, Hernandez K-8
Learned traditional indigenous music and dance of the Amazon and Bahia regions of Brazil.

"As teachers we have new and exciting ideas for engaging students in the curriculum as well as a deeper understanding of ecological and social issues that exist in Ecuador which we can use to address complex issues with our students."

- John Walker and Marcy Ostberg, Boston Day and Evening Academy
Explored Ecuador’s biodiversity and scientific history and followed in Darwin’s steps as a naturalist.

How it works

FFT-Boston offers competitive grants for self-designed summer study projects. Any full-time teacher or instructional coach who has worked in Boston’s public schools for three years or more is eligible to apply. Grant recipients, many of whom apply as teams, spend their summers traveling and exploring topics that will help them engage their students more effectively during the school year.

Individuals may apply for up to $5,000. Teams may apply for up to $10,000. Since the start of the program, Fund for Teachers-Boston has awarded $1,013,241 to 304 teachers.

Why it matters

Every leap in student achievement comes down to one factor: good teaching. But good teaching isn’t easy. FFT-Boston honors teachers’ hard work by supporting them to pursue their professional interests, renew their energy, and rediscover the passion that draws them to teach — and that inspires their students to learn.

Summer 2012 Applications

Applications for summer 2012 grants are now available. Deadline: January 27, 2012.

Information sessions:

Thursday, January 5, Fenway Pilot High School, 174 Ipswich St., Boston

Monday, January 9, Boston Teachers Union, 180 Mt. Vernon St., Dorchester

Tuesday, January 10, Orchard Gardens K-8, 906 Albany St., Roxbury

Wednesday, January 18, English High School, 144 McBride St., Jamaica Plain

All sessions are scheduled for 4:30-6:00 p.m.

Questions? Contact: Dottie Engler                     

FFT-Boston is an affiliate of the national Fund for Teachers based in Houston.