“It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge.” – Albert Einstein

As a former teacher, Margie Barancik knew what research clearly states: a motivated and highly effective classroom teacher is the most critical factor for a child’s academic success.  It is in honor of Margie’s chosen profession the TIME Fellowship supports as many as 25 fellowships to Sarasota County School District educators.  The awardees are granted up to $12,000 to help refresh and renew their commitment to teaching.

Following the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, modifications to in-person teaching, and general stressors on both teachers and students, many of this year’s fellows are using their fellowship to hit the reset button.

Several projects are childhood dreams or bucket list items—from an African safari to 12 days across beautiful Alaska.  Twelve fellows will travel to Europe, three to South America, and one to visit Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.  Some plan to stay closer to home, like two teachers teaming up for an arts immersion in New York City and another teacher who will travel west to see the Grand Canyon for the very first time.

To see a summary of the projects, click here.

“Teachers are the changemakers of our classrooms,” commented Teri A Hansen, President | CEO of Barancik Foundation.  “We have always known students need guidance and grounding, but when the teachers leading them are happy, healthy, and inspired, that is when the magic happens.”

Those invited to apply for the fellowship include current Sarasota County School District K-12 public school teachers, assistant principals, and principals with at least three years of experience working within the district.  Selected fellows commit to teaching in Sarasota County for at least another three years.  The fellows, who were selected through an open application process, teach varying subjects across elementary, middle, and high schools from Sarasota to North Port.

The next TIME Fellowship application opportunity is expected to launch this May.