Andrew Weinzapfel, social studies teacher at Bosse High School, was one of only 100 educators in the state of Indiana to be selected from a pool of 450 applicants to receive Lilly Endowment Teacher Creativity Fellowships. Weinzapfel also is the only educator in Evansville selected to receive the fellowship.
Through the program, recipients are awarded a fellowship to pursue interests that allow for personal renewal, intellectual revitalization and a dose of fun. The purpose of the fellowships is to allow educators to reinvigorate their spirits and if interested, share their experiences with their students.
As a recipient, Weinzapfel will receive $10,000 to retrace his ancestors’ steps in Europe. He also plans to plant a small apple orchard on a family farm utilizing techniques used by German immigrants in the 1850s and tour family orchards in Washington State.
“Our state’s teachers, principals, guidance counselors, and school librarians give so much of themselves to their students,†said Sara B. Cobb, vice president for education at the Lilly Endowment. “In addition to the invaluable work they do during the school day, they work nights and weekends to plan lessons, give extra attention to individual students, direct extracurricular activities, and develop professionally.
“These individuals are precious resources, and Teacher Creativity Fellowships provide them with an important opportunity for renewal. Teachers get to become learners again as they explore their own curiosities and dreams, spend time in other parts of the world, pursue personal passions, and just ‘get away.’†she said. Including the 2013 class, 2,542 Indiana educators have received grants since the Teacher Creativity Fellowship Program began in 1987.
For a list of all recipients go to: http://www.lillyendowment.org/pdf/TCFP2013WinnersAnnouncement.pdf
