This article appeared as "Summer Plans" in the Spring 2023 issue of Independent School.It’s a challenge to engage in creative, cross-functional curriculum planning while school’s in session. Most of the time, that work happens in the summer during teachers’ own time without pay. But for teachers at Bullis School (MD), that may be changing. Pictured at left: Third graders learn how to handle and care for chickens, turkeys, horses, sheep, and dogs during their farm school excursions.
In the summer of 2021, a group of teachers worked to enhance the school’s social studies curriculum as part of an audit evaluating how the department was addressing diversity and inclusion. “As a result of that work, a few faculty members inquired if there might be a similar opportunity to engage in collaborative work in the future and be compensated for it,” says Ryann Fapohunda, director of teaching and learning. “I felt it was important to create a structured and equitable process for faculty to apply for funding for collaborative curriculum work that aligns with our strategic plan and Portrait of a Graduate.” So she sought funding and approval to create the Bullis Summer Grants program.
Formally launched in summer 2022, the program offers teachers up to one week of compensation to complete curricular work over the summer. The goal is to unite faculty beyond course teaching teams. Last summer, there were 13 applications, and all were funded.
Mark Walter, a third grade teacher, who lives on a 400-acre farm and frequently invites students to the property for various learning experiences, used a summer grant in collaboration with colleagues to “create a more holistic, environmental education farm curriculum for students, with music, science, social studies, literacy, and social-emotional wellness lessons.” Visual arts faculty used a grant last summer to redesign the curriculum at all levels and created a full-year foundations of studio art course, which is required for visual arts students but open to others. The educators involved said the course is a more cohesive, integrated year-long experience, which allows students to develop stronger relationships with each other and instructors while developing technical skills to support their interest and capacity for higher-level courses offered at Bullis.
This summer, the application selection has become more selective to offer more funding to fewer projects. One includes a new Advanced Placement (AP) African American History course, created by the College Board and to be piloted at the school in the fall. Another project expected to get underway will reimagine a new curriculum that is more in line with the school’s new schedule.
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