Innovation in Teaching Grant

Learn more about the CEHD Innovation in Teaching Grant and how to apply.

Purpose

The CEHD Research & Professional Development committee welcomes applications for the Innovation in Teaching Grant, which supports CEHD full-time faculty in developing, implementing, and assessing innovative teaching strategies that enhance student learning, foster inclusive excellence, and contribute to the College's long-term strategic goals. This one-time funding opportunity encourages pedagogical experimentation and positions faculty to pursue larger-scale internal or external funding.

Strategic Alignment

Proposals must align with one or more of the CEHD Strategic Plan themes:

1. Innovate Teaching and Learning – implementing creative pedagogical approaches.
2. Advance Student Success – improving engagement, retention, or achievement.
3. Foster Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging – promoting accessible, inclusive classrooms.
4. Strengthen Research and Scholarship – using innovative teaching as a launchpad for scholarly inquiry.

Goals

• Stimulate creative and high-impact teaching innovations.
• Generate evidence of effective pedagogical practices.
• Encourage scalability and sustainability of new teaching methods.
• Build a foundation for further scholarly work and external grant applications.

Expected Outcomes

• Implementation of a new or significantly revised instructional strategy or tool.
• Evaluation of the innovation’s impact on student learning and engagement.
• A formal presentation to CEHD faculty summarizing project findings.
• Submission of a plan for continued development and funding of the work.

Funding 

• Maximum award: $5,000. Applications may be awarded partial funding at the RPD committee's discretion.
• Duration: One academic year (Fall–Spring), with final reporting and presentation due in the subsequent Fall.

Eligibility

• Full-time CEHD faculty members (tenure-track, tenured, or instructional track).
• Faculty may apply individually or collaboratively, with one applicant designated as the primary investigator.

Application Materials

Applicants must submit the following as a single PDF:

1. Cover Page (1 page)
• Project Title
• Name(s), Department(s), and Contact Information
• Abstract (150 words)
2. Proposal Narrative (3–5 pages total)
• Background and Rationale: Identify the teaching challenge or opportunity. Provide relevant literature or contextual framing.
• Goals and Objectives: What do you aim to achieve? How will student learning be improved?
• Description of the Innovation: Detailed description of teaching strategy, tool, curriculum design.
• Implementation Plan: Timeline, steps for integration into coursework, and faculty/student roles.
• Evaluation Plan: Metrics and methods for assessing effectiveness (qual, quant, or mixed).
3. Budget and Justification (1 page)

Detailed breakdown of how funds will be used. Eligible expenses include:

• Instructional materials and tools
• Software licenses
• Student assistants
• Conference registration (if presenting results)
• Modest stipends or overload pay
• Ineligible: Standard course development compensation already covered by UND, faculty salary (outside overload), or travel not directly related to the project.
3. CV

Submit via email to the ADRFD at Robert.Stupnisky@und.edu

Review Criteria

Proposals will be reviewed by the CEHD Research & Professional Development Committee using the following criteria:

• Relevance and clarity of innovation
• Potential to enhance teaching effectiveness and student learning
• Feasibility of implementation
• Soundness of the evaluation plan
• Alignment with CEHD Strategic Plan
• Strength of plan for sustainability

Post-Award Requirements

1. Final Report, 1 page (due by August 15 of the following year):
• Summary of activities
• Evaluation results
• Reflections and next steps
2. Presentation to CEHD Faculty (Fall Faculty Retreat or designated Teaching Showcase):
• 15–20 minute overview of project, findings, and implications for teaching practice.

Submission & Timeline

• Application Deadline: February 15 annually
• Award Notification: Approximately 2 weeks post-application
• Project Implementation: Fall–Spring of the academic year following the application
• Final Report & Presentation: August 15 of the following year
• Presentation: During the following academic year

Questions?