As part of its ongoing commitment to helping foster effective and innovative teaching practices, TI increased its support this year of the Junior League of Dallas' (JLD) Grants for Innovative Teaching (GFIT) program, which provides grants annually to teachers in the Dallas Independent School District (Dallas ISD).

GFIT is a signature program of the JLD that is designed to encourage and support excellence in teaching by awarding grants of up to $2,000 to Dallas ISD teachers for special and innovative projects that otherwise would not be possible within school budgets.

These unique and groundbreaking projects can address reading and literacy enrichment; science, technology, engineering and math (STEM); and arts and culture enrichment at all grade levels.

TI, a sponsor of the grants for three years, increased its support of the program this year specifically to support the STEM grants.

"We are proud to support the Junior League Grants for Innovative Teaching program," said Andy Smith, TI director of corporate philanthropy. "By increasing our sponsorship, we hope more grants, and specifically more STEM-related grants, can be awarded to Dallas ISD teachers who are making a difference in the lives of their students and providing extended opportunities for learning through creative projects."

Last year, the JLD awarded 83 grants totaling more than $112,000 to teachers at 45 schools within Dallas ISD for the 2011-2012 school year. Since 1992, JLD has distributed more than $1 million to Dallas ISD teachers, impacting students districtwide.

"It's an honor to award JLD Grants for Innovative Teaching to deserving teachers within Dallas ISD each year," said Susan Wells, president of JLD. "These teachers have demonstrated a commitment to educating our kids in innovative and inspiring ways, and GFIT awards are truly an investment in the future of Dallas."

To apply, grant recipients must articulate how the projects will challenge students and improve student achievement. JLD also provides each teacher with a liaison to assess its effectiveness.

Applications are available online at www.jld.net (located under Community Programs – Grants for Innovative Teaching).