Pilot Program Hopes to Spark More Innovation in Forsyth County Public School Classrooms

Developers of a pilot program at some Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Public Schools are hoping to inspire more creativity in the classroom.

The Forsyth Education Partnership will award grants to teachers at four schools to develop innovative teaching methods.

“When we were at the community forum about school choice we hosted last fall, we never really understood that charter schools were originally intended to create innovation that would then be translated to public schools. We have never really seen that happen, so we think that the Clinard Grants for Innovative Teaching are a way to get teachers the support they need to come up with these innovative ideas in the public school system," says  Susan Tague, co-president of the Forsyth Education Partnership.

She added, "One of the conditions of the grant is that the winning teachers have to let us share their idea with other educators and schools”.

Forsyth Education Partnership is a non-profit organization that provides several resources for teachers in the county, including professional development opportunities and free school supplies to use in their classrooms.

Funds for the education grants were donated by local businessman Woody Clinard.  Teachers at Old Town Elementary, Brunson Elementary, Mineral Springs Elementary and Diggs-Latham Elementary can apply for the grants. They can receive anywhere from $50 to $600.

Tobie Arnold is a retired principal and former middle school teacher. She's also with Forsyth Education Partnership.  She says more programs like this one are needed in the public school system

“Every year, teachers invest so much money in their classroom. This is one way that we can help ease that burden for them, and just the fact that someone cares and is out there giving them something and knows how hard they work means something. I'm hoping that encourages them to continue on with their profession because we certainly need them,” says Arnold.

The deadline to apply for the Clinard Grants for Innovative Teaching is February 15. The winners will be announced March 1.