Teacher & Staff Grants
Through the Teacher and Staff Grants program, the PTO invests directly in classroom innovation, student enrichment, and staff support. Grants fund materials, resources, and experiences that enhance learning, support diverse student needs, and bring creative ideas to life—allowing OTE teachers and staff to go above and beyond for students.
Fall 2026 Staff Grant Cycle
Please review eligibility and scoring below, then submit your application before the deadline.
How Grants Are Scored & Prioritized
In recent years, the PTO has received grant applications totaling more than double the available budget. Because we cannot fund every request, applications are evaluated using a Grant Prioritization Rubric to ensure fairness, consistency, and alignment with student impact.
Grant Prioritization Rubric
Each application is scored across five areas. Higher scores typically indicate broader student impact, better value, frequent use, and clear, innovative plans.
Higher scores go to requests that benefit more students. For example, a school-wide resource or something used across multiple grades typically scores higher than a single-classroom request.
We consider value for the dollars spent. Items with a lower cost per student generally score higher, especially when paired with high use and broad impact.
Requests used daily or year over year typically score higher than one-time purchases or occasional use items, because they provide sustained value to students.
Strong applications clearly explain what is being requested, why it’s needed, and how it will be used. Specific student outcomes and a well-defined plan generally score higher than vague or incomplete descriptions.
We look for requests that enhance the learning experience in an engaging way, address an emerging need, or introduce a creative approach that helps students thrive—especially when it can be replicated or shared.
Tip for applicants: The highest-scoring requests are usually clear, widely impactful, used frequently, and demonstrate strong value for students.
How the Program Works
- Two grant cycles each year: a Fall cycle and a Spring cycle.
- The majority of the grant budget is allocated in Fall, with Spring funding reserved for additional needs identified throughout the year.
- Grants may support grade-level classrooms, specials, specialists, and school-wide needs.
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Eligibility & PTO membership requirement
Faculty must have a Faculty PTO Membership to be eligible to receive grants.
- Faculty PTO Membership is $15 and includes a yearbook (plus other perks).
- If applying for an entire grade-level grant or a multiple-grades grant, all teachers in the grades requesting the grant must be PTO Members.
Funding cycles
The PTO awards grants in two cycles each year:
- Fall cycle: the primary cycle with the largest share of the annual grant budget.
- Spring cycle: funds additional needs identified throughout the year.
Spring funding is intentionally reserved to support needs that emerge after the school year is underway and needs for the upcoming school year.
Examples of past grant funding
Grants have supported a wide range of initiatives—from instructional materials and technology to wellness and school-wide enrichment—including:
- Classroom educational subscriptions
- Cougar Kindness program materials
- LIFT program resources
- Library resources
- Occupational Therapy materials
- Wireless PA System
- Specialized student headphones
- Gym, art, science, and music materials
- Flexible seating for classrooms
- Shared event supplies
Questions?
If you have questions about eligibility, scoring, or submitting an application, email us at info@otepto.org.
