Teachers applying for grants from the Montclair Fund for Educational Excellence during our 2024 - 25 grant cycle have an expert resource to consult and guide them. As MFEE’s first-ever science grant liaison, Kimberley Ottaway will be putting her deep experience in science, venture philanthropy, and education to work for our public schools.
Each year, MFEE awards approximately $60,000 in grants to Montclair Public Schools teachers in three areas: classroom innovation, social and emotional learning and professional development.
Ottaway will be working alongside MFEE’s team of incredible volunteer grant liaisons at each school, and with teachers, principals and PTA leaders to spark connections and guide educators in writing innovative grant applications related to science.
Ottaway, a parent of two Montclair Public Schools alumni, spent 17 years as a research and development scientist in the pharmaceutical industry, and she has also worked in venture philanthropy, and as a private science education consultant working with high school students and families in both science curriculum and course selection.
“We’re so excited for teachers to tap Kimberley’s enthusiasm and expertise as they incubate innovative ideas for science grants,” said Kathy Maloy, MFEE’s grants coordinator. “We hope she will be a catalyst for creativity across our district.”
When she’s not busy rolling up her sleeves to fuel excellence in public education, you might find Ottaway, a Master Gardener of Essex County, working toward her diploma at the London College of Garden Design in London (UK). We can’t wait to see what innovative classroom ideas she helps to grow and cultivate across our schools.
Funding for these grants is possible due to the generosity of MFEE donors at Teacher Toasts and other events throughout the year. Check out our blog to read about grants we've funded, which include tools and experiences in areas such as math, science, language arts, culinary education, journalism, dance, theater, music, art, and more.
Educators can apply now through Oct. 25.
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