Jean Graham Fund Summer Sabbatical
Family and friends created the Jean Graham Fund to honor the life and educational legacy of Jean Graham, a teacher at State Street Intermediate School for 22 years. Jean epitomized lifelong learning, often through international travel and was passionate about global studies, nature, and the environment. She understood firsthand an educator’s need to continue to learn and grow and the impact real-world experience can have on student learning. (You can learn more about Jean and the Fund here.)
JGF Summer Sabbatical
The Jean Graham Fund Summer Sabbatical Award provides funding for summer sabbaticals for teachers in the Skaneateles Central School District. Grants are for teachers to pursue learning opportunities related to classroom curriculum and global studies through international travel. These are opportunities for personal growth and enrichment, supporting the pursuit of lifelong learning in a particular area of study.
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Who is Eligible?
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The JGF Summer Sabbatical is for teachers that meet the following criteria:
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Have demonstrated a record of curriculum development and innovative approaches to instruction in the classroom.
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Have a minimum of 3 years of teaching experience in, and been granted tenure by, the Skaneateles Central School District.
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Have the support of the building principal, as demonstrated in a written letter of recommendation.
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What Can I Do on Sabbatical?
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The main component of a JGF Summer Sabbatical is travel, primarily international. Previous award winners have visited India, Africa, Europe and Central America. The length of stays are determined by location, activities pursued, and cost. For instance, the 2024 awardee, Connie Bohrer is traveling to Tanzania where where she will volunteer her reading training at a local school for a week, spend a week climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, and two days for a photo safari. Including travel to and from Africa, her trip will last ~19 days. Connie's sabbatical deftly combines her love of teaching reading and sharing her expertise with her passion for hiking and her sense of adventure. Her grant will enrich her personally, energize her professionally, and provide real world experiences to share with her students and fellow faculty. (Click here to learn more about previous Summer Sabbatical awards.)
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Who Evaluates and Decides on the Grants?
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The Skaneateles Education Foundation manages the Fund. A Jean Graham Fund committee reviews grant applications and makes recommendations to the Foundation Board for approval. The Jean Graham Fund committee is comprised of two Foundation Board members, two community members, two representatives from the school district and a member of Jean Graham’s family. The Foundation’s Executive Director serves as a non-voting member of the committee.
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When Are Applications Due?
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The JGF Committee sets the due dates for each year's applications in September of the current school year. Please check with Skip Lockwood, SEF Executive Director, for up-to-date information and to answer any questions.
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Is Grant Writing Assistance Available?
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Yes. SEF's executive director is available to advise on and review your application prior to submission. Prior awardees are happy to discuss their experiences to help shape your application. Resources are also available to assist with travel planning and budget creation.
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Download the full JGF Summer Sabbatical Application​​​​​
Jean’s passion for integrating her experience growing up in Columbia and traveling around the world into her State Street classroom set her apart as an extraordinary teacher. She loved teaching and this remarkable world we live in. -- Patty Weiss