The Foundation for Portland Public Schools (FPPS) has just completed its 14th annual teacher grants program cycle. Seventy-six teachers, ed techs, librarians, and others have been awarded grants totaling $59,261. These grants will benefit thousands of students – from preK through Portland Adult Education – in 15 schools across the Portland Public Schools (PPS).

The Equity and Innovation Teachers Grants Program supports PPS staff in their efforts to enrich education, innovate in the classroom, and engage the community.  Funded projects are selected based on their potential to inspire students and improve learning outcomes. This year, funding will support a wide range of projects, including expanding and diversifying classroom and school libraries; providing students with supplies, access to visiting artists, and tickets to performances to enhance art and music education; purchasing science and technological equipment; and expanding the range of social and emotional supports available in our schools.

Eva Platt, a librarian at Presumpscot School  and grant recipient last year, shared her gratitude. “Without the FPPS Grants, so much of what we do would not be possible. Thank you for continuously supporting teaching and learning in the district,” Platt said. “With such a small library budget at each elementary school, this grant makes creativity possible, and I am able to go beyond the basics to explain creative and current programming as a part of our library media centers.”

Support for the 2022 Equity and Innovation Teacher Grants Program came from EnviroLogix (via the Ensign Bickford Foundation), Nellie Mae Education Foundation, J.B. Brown & Sons, Bangor Savings Bank, Coffee By Design, Town & Country Federal Credit Union, Northeast Bank, Camp Alsing, Capozza Floor Covering Center, Clark Insurance, Machias Savings Bank, and many individual contributors.

The Foundation for Portland Public Schools is a nonprofit organization with a mission to be a catalyst for increased educational opportunities, achievement, and equity for all Portland Public Schools students and staff.

Photo: Andres Llorente’s students at Portland High School benefited from an FPPS teacher grant last year that gave them the chance to explore Portland’s geography and culture as part of their English language learning.