application

=CREATIVITY INSTITUTE= [|Please complete our online application to apply to participate!]


 * [[image:koru.jpg align="right"]]We all know how important the creative process is for getting the best out of students. Have you ever wished for an all-expenses-paid opportunity to work directly with creative people while building your skills in using technology and the arts more creatively? Well, now your wish can come true, for a limited number of dedicated teachers in Oklahoma schools.

Whatever grade level or subject you teach, you can apply to be one of 50 teachers to participate in our CREATIVITY INSTITUTE. Through the generous support of the Dana Foundation, Oklahoma's //Education Leaders Institute//, made up of members from the Oklahoma State Department of Education, Oklahoma A+ Schools, Tulsa Public Schools, Oklahoma City University, and the Kirkpatrick Foundation, is offering the CREATIVITY INSTITUTE in Oklahoma City from July 7th through the 9th, with a follow-up day on October 9, 2010.

To be eligible, you must apply by Friday, May 28, 2010, so time is short. All grade levels, all subject areas, all parts of the state are welcome to apply. Participants will receive:**
 * Valuable skills in creatively integrating technology and the arts into PASS objectives for immediate use in the teachers' classrooms,
 * Digital equipment to take back to the classroom and extend the learning to students,
 * Immersion in cultural, artistic and technological experiences in the OKC area in order to help the teacher create meaning and connect to arts for the classroom using 21st century skills,
 * A network of like-minded professionals,
 * Training from artists, master teachers, and the most capable of all 21st Century Learners: //Students// who are already using technology creatively!

The CREATIVITY INSTITUTE will focus on providing our students with broader and more inclusive capacities such as critical thinking, problem solving, self-discipline, and imagination. This institute will be about creating opportunities for each participant to build creative confidence in their digital expressions. It has never been more important for educators to collaborate and network to catalyze systemic, creative changes that rest on a sustainable foundation. We look forward to your participation in harnessing the power of the arts, CREATIVITY and technological innovation through digital expression.

The CREATIVITY INSTITUTE will:
 * Further the message that the arts and creativity are essential for the present learning and future life success of our children.
 * Develop the genesis of a movement connecting student/teacher learning around new media and the arts.
 * Document future creative output and revisit past projects to benefit learning in the future.
 * Establish an international professional learning community by providing a portal for ongoing communication about creative projects.

Participation Requirements:

 * CREATIVITY INSTITUTE participants must attend ALL sessions, ALL four days of the institute (3 days from July 7 through 9 and an additional day on Saturday, October 9th)
 * CREATIVITY INSTITUTE participants must stay with the team in the lodging provided (Courtyard Marriott/Downtown OKC in double-occupancy rooms.) Getting to know your Creativity Team is an important component of this marvelous experience.
 * CREATIVITY INSTITUTE participants will prepare and share a creativity-based lesson idea developed for their students.

==Hotel accommodations during the institute will be provided for July 7 and 8. Meals and materials are provided. There is no application fee for teachers accepted. You must provide your own transportation to and from the CREATIVITY INSTITUTE.==

Eligibility - Participants must:

 * Currently be employed by an Oklahoma educational institution
 * Intend to continue in a teaching role in School Year 2010-2011

Application Process:
The ONLINE application asks applicants about:
 * 1) Teaching Experience: List school district(s), school site(s), teaching assignment(s), dates of employment, and any other information which provides an accurate description of your teaching career.
 * 2) Professional Development: Provide examples of professional development experiences in which you have participated during the last five years.
 * 3) Professional Service: Include any leadership roles you have held, publications you have authored, professional development research you have conducted, and professional development presentations you have made.
 * 4) Awards, Grants, and Professional Organizations: List any awards or grants you have received and professional organizations with which you are affiliated.
 * 5) How You Have Utilized Creativity in Your Classroom: Describe how you have integrated technology and creativity in your classroom

Selection Process:
The CREATIVITY INSTITUTE review team will recommend final selections for the institute. You must provide a valid email address in order to receive your notification.

Timeline:

 * Application deadline – 11:59 PM Friday, May 28, 2010
 * Selection and notification completed – Friday, June 4, 2010
 * CREATIVITY INSTITUTE – July 7, 8 and 9, 2010
 * Fall CREATIVITY INSTITUTE – Saturday, October 9, 2010

Incomplete or late applications will not be considered. Faxed applications will not be accepted.

Contacts:
If you have questions, please contact:

Tricia Soderstrom, Executive Assistant for Oklahoma A+ Schools 405.974.3788 tsoderstrom [at] uco [dot] edu Oklahoma A+ Schools [|http://aplusok.org]

[|Please complete our online application to apply to participate!]
[|Image by EssjayNZ]