The McCarthey Dressman Education Foundation promotes best practices through cooperative and sustained commitment to improved teaching and active learning. As such, the foundation values proposals aimed at concurrently boosting student understanding and proficiency and instilling a passion for lifelong learning.
The foundation’s Teacher Development Grants support small teams of K–12 teachers in the formation and implementation of groundbreaking classroom instruction. The grants provide opportunities for teachers to integrate fresh strategies that encourage critical inquiry and to observe their effects on students. Teachers can then reflect and write about their projects, as well as share their results with other educators.
The foundation considers applications for financial support from licensed K–12 teachers who are employed in public or private schools, have the background and experience to complete the project successfully, and are willing to work in collaboration with the foundation.
Grants are awarded to individuals in amounts of up to $10,000 per year for a maximum of $20,000 over two years, provided the eligibility requirements continue to be met.
Teachers are encouraged to apply early, as the application system closes when it reaches 200 submissions. Submissions are accepted through April 15, 2026.