FUNDING ASSISTANCE

for ITEA's 71st Annual Conference in
Louisville, Kentucky on March 26-28, 2009

NOW...is the time to start finding financial assistance to go to ITEA’s Annual Conference. There are numerous places to find financial support and it takes a certain mindset to be successful. Here are some hints to help you!

Decide from the outset that you are going to do whatever is necessary to get YOUR travel money. Determine multiple funding sources. If one does not work, another might. The one that doesn’t work this time just may be the place to go next year.

Here is what you do...

• Compile facts on the ITEA conference, such as:
  • It is the largest technology education professional development experience in the USA and you need that experience.
  • The largest trade exhibition in the country will be available, showing the latest in resources, materials, and equipment.
  • The nation's educational leaders meet here to network, determine directions, and share decisions on issues that influence the profession.
• Create talking points as to how this conference could improve education for your students.
• Create talking points (after reviewing the program) as to how this conference program could improve education for your students. Don't forget to share that you will learn more about teaching math, reading, and science concepts!
• Stress to the administration that you will be attending as a representative of the school and district at an international conference and what an honor it will be go as an ambassador for the school. Administrators love to have their schools boasted at functions.
• Print the preliminary program and share it with your potential funder.
• Apply to be part of the program, e.g., the teacher showcase known as the Technology Festival. Here you can share your best ideas, activities, or teaching strategies in a one-to-one discussion with other teachers.
• Have a small budget put together based upon travel, registration costs, housing, etc., so when asked how much you need, the answer is readily available. A single source may not have all the money you need, but coupled with another, you might get totally funded!
• Apply to be a Teacher or Program Excellence winner, bringing positive recognition to your school and program.
• Most technology teachers have found success when applying for professional development monies early in the school year. Don't wait until the last minute and expect success. When school starts, you start in your funding efforts!

Where to look for funding sources...

• Talk to your immediate supervisor about using professional development monies. That person may also be the principal, district curriculum specialist, county supervisor, or a combination of any of these individuals.
• Ask your local PTA for assistance using the information above.
• Search for project monies that relate to your school system's special projects. Sometimes a project on special education, special needs, or some other area of emphasis includes professional development funding. ITEA conferences have an array of programs that touch on many different areas of education. Make the relationship and seek their funding.
• Become friends with local civic groups that support education. For example, the Lions or Rotary Clubs often will support teachers desiring to get professional development. Assure the group that you would be pleased to give a small report on what you have learned. They will be thrilled to know that they have helped your program and you will have an opportunity to sell your good work to the community.
• Contact your district or state supervisor who deals with technology education. Frequently, they know of funding such as with the Perkins Legislation or the Math/Science Initiatives that can be used to help you. You will have to complete paperwork so start the process now!
• Do a search of local educational foundations. For example, selected companies have national educational funding programs that they wish to go to state or regional company locations. A local representative of a large organization may be able to find funding that will help you.
• Check with your local teacher's union. You pay dues and they may have a program that will help you.
• Finally, assume that you are going to get funded with every potential source that you ask! You will be surprised to find that the one place where you thought there was no funding, will be your new source. Remember, most of your colleagues are not aware of the potential for funding. That makes your opportunity for success even greater.

2008 ITEA Conference Sponsors