Teachers As Readers

Grant Information
1. Complete all information in Section I. This section provides basic grant
information.
2. Complete all information in Section II. This section focuses on the group
membership and activities for the year.
A) Provide the dates and places for the meetings. State council officers may visit
the meetings.
B) Select paperback book titles with a focus on the quality of the content. (Good
selection sources are book award lists, such as IRA Childrens Choice, Teachers
Choice, Caldecott, and Newbery or reliable recommendations, such as appear in
Hornbook or The New Advocate, etc.). Book choices must be age-appropriate for
the instructional level of the group, and one title must be a professional
selection. Provide a rationale for each selection.
C) List member names and include signatures of each member. Remember that
group participants must be members of a local SCIRA council.
D) Make special note of members who are administrators. Remember that at
least one school or district administrator must be included in the group. Having
school board members is a plus.
E) Tell how you plan to use the books after the discussion time.
F) Submit an evaluation of the group meetings along with an attendance roster.
G) Email completed application and other all documentations to Teachers as Readers Grant Chair
person.
3. Special consideration is given for the following:
A) Accuracy and clarity of information,
B) Complete titles, authors, and rationale,
C) School board participation,
D) Description of how the books will continue to be used.
4. The maximum grant amount is $300.00. Grant winners will receive notification
in February, 2016 and will receive a check in the amount of $300.00 from SCIRA.
Encourage your schools, district, and local businesses to provide additional
financial support. Only one grant will be awarded per person.

Grant applications must be received by December 1, 2015.

Copy of the book order must be submitted by June 1, 2016 to Teachers As
Readers Chair.
Project evaluation will be due by May 1, 2017 to Teachers As Readers Chair.
Mail your completed application and a self addressed stamped envelope to:
Kaye Jamison
Teachers As Readers Grant

19 Mariners View Rd
Prosperity, SC 29127
kjamison@newberry.k12.sc.us

Teachers As Readers
Project
Book Groups for Educators
What are book groups?
The Teachers As Readers project gives educators the opportunity to read a variety
of current literature, discuss what they have read, and share strategies for using
the literature in the classroom. Teachers As Readers book groups consist of ten
educators who select four titles (children, young adult, or adolescent, plus one
professional selection) to read together. South Carolina groups are made up of
classroom teachers, school and district administrators, college professors, and
school board members. Grade level readings are as follows: K-4, 5-8, and 9-12.
Project participants are members of SCIRA.

Why form book groups?

To
To
To
To

keep current with the latest literature.

learn from other professionals.
share ideas about teaching literature.
enhance instruction.

How are book groups formed?

Select a leader who will be responsible for submitting the grant and organizing
the group.
Invite a group of ten members, one of whom is a school or district administrator.

How are book groups supported?

SCIRA has helped to support Teachers As Readers project for fourteen years.
School principals and district administrators provide some financial support.
Local businesses provide some financial support.
If sufficient funding is not available, members read and discuss library books.

Tips for book group facilitator

Find a relaxed, comfortable place to meet.
Read the entire book before meeting.
Prepare some open-ended questions and monitor the discussion.
Ask a group member to prepare a brief summary of the book as a discussion
starter.

 Ask a group member to prepare information about the author of the book.
Allow for time to share classroom teaching strategies.
Listen. Include everyone. Have fun!

Teachers as Readers Grant Check List

Person Submitting Application: _____________________
Date: ____________
Council Affiliate: _______________________________
Membership # _______
Completed all information in Section I.
Completed all information in Section II.
Provided the dates and places for the meetings.
Listed book titles
Book has a content focus IRA Childrens Choice, Teachers
Choice, Caldecott and Newberry or reliable recommendations
Hornbook or The New Advocate, etc.
List of members with their membership number
Note of administrators one school or district a plus school
board members
Explanation of your plan to use the books after discussion time
Submit an evaluation of meetings with an attendance roster
The information is accurate and has clarity
Complete titles, authors, and rationale
School board participation
Description of how the books will continue to be used.
Grant applications must be emailed by December 1, 2015
Copy of the book order must be submitted by June 1, 2016 to
TAR Chair
Project evaluation will be due by May1, 2017 to TAR Chair.

Teachers As Readers
Grant Application
SECTION I
Person Submitting Application
Address
Street
City

State

Zip Code

Home Phone

School Phone

Home Email

School Email

Local Council Affiliate

SCIRA Membership #

School Name
Address
Street
City

State

Zip Code

State

Zip Code

Group Facilitator
Address
Street
City

Home Phone

School Phone

Home Email

School Email

Local Council Affiliate

SCIRA Membership #

School Name
Address
Street
City

Group Grade Level

State

K-4

Zip Code

K5

5-8

68

9-12

SECTION II
A. Meeting Dates & Locations (Include street addresses if other than
schools above.)
1.
2.
3.
4.
B. Book Titles and Author/s

with Selection Rationale (Must include 1

professional title.)

1. Book Title/Author

Selection Rationale

2. Book Title/Author

Selection Rationale

3. Book Title/Author

Selection Rationale

4. Book Title/Author

Selection Rationale

C. Member Names with Signatures and Local Council Affiliation

Note: The participants signature indicates a commitment to participate in the project.

Name
Membership #

Signature

Council

D. Participating Administrator
Participating School Board
Member
Name
Name
Title
District
District
E. How do you plan to use the books after your meetings?

F. I will be responsible for ordering the books indicated on this

application and agree to send a copy of the book order to the committee

chair by June 1, 2016. I also agree to submit a project evaluation by May

1, 2017.

Signature

Date