What is GIFT?
GIFT (Georgia Internships for Teachers) is a 4-7 week summer internship experience for teachers. It is primarily for science, math, and technology teachers, but projects are being added to accommodate other disciplines, also. top

History of GIFT
GIFT was inititated in 1990 by the Georgia Institute of Technology with the assistance of the Triangle Coalition for Science and Technology Education in Washington, D.C., and the California-based Industry Initiatives for Science, Mathematics, and Engineering (IISME). The GIFT Advisory Council meets once a quarter and is composed of business, civic, and educational leaders.

Recognizing the importance of university, business and industry involvement in K-12 schools, GIFT and similar programs nationwide evolved in response to declining student achievement in mathematics and science. GIFT's goal is to accomplish improved teaching and learning with a systemic approach that focuses on the key role of teachers in preparing youngsters for the future work force and informed citizenship. Since 1991, Ga. Tech has placed over 900 teachers in research, business, and museum experiences.

The University of Georgia first offered the GIFT Program on its Tifton Campus in 2002 placing 12 teachers from 6 different school systems in science research experiences. Since that time it has grown to include many different school systems placing teachers not only in Tifton but also in Byron and Athens.top

Goals of GIFT
Four goals of GIFT are to increase content knowledge; develop inquiry-based teaching strategies; experience new technologies; and share ideas with fellow teachers, but most importantly GIFT seeks to offer the teacher a real-world experience that justifies the material taught in the classroom. It lets teachers live first-hand the lessons they teach in the classroom and gives meaning to textbook rhetoric. Teachers return to the classroom with new purpose and a renewed interest in their subject matter. top

Eligibility
Priority is given to middle and high school science teachers as most of our projects are research based. However, we have had elementary teachers who had very worthwhile experiences, also. Participants must have been teaching at least two years and must have a contract in place to teach the following year by the sponsoring school system.top

Requirements

A teacher must be available for the entire duration of GIFT with no other commitments. GIFT is a job, and a teacher works the same hours as his mentor 5 days a week.
Upon completion of the summer internship, an Action Plan is required which will translate the teacher’s summer experience back into the classroom.
The teacher must also attend the End of Summer Workshop at Georgia Tech to share summer experiences with GIFT teachers from all over the state. All expenses are covered.
Teachers may not be involved in GIFT for more than 2 consecutive summers without special permission from the Project Coordinator

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Benefits of GIFT

Unique experiences for teachers helping them make connections between their classroom activities and the real-world applications.
Chances for teachers to share ideas with not only teachers in South Georgia but with those across the state through a partnership with Georgia Tech.
Opportunities for teachers to participate in inquiry-based science workshops through a partnership with Valdosta State University.
A stipend of $728 per week upon successful completion of the internship and an Action Plan.
Up to 3 hours of Graduate Credit or 10 Professional Learning Units (PLU’s).

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Application Process
• Fill out the online application at Georgia Tech's site http://www.ceismc.gatech.edu/gift/gift_teachers.htm. If you have problems with this, please contact Susan Reinhardt; (229)386-3050 or slr@uga.edu.
• When a mentor calls you about a project, decide if it’s right for you. Depending on the mentor, you may just interview over the phone, or you may be asked to come to campus. After your interview, you will be sent an Offer Letter if the mentor thought his project was suitable for you. Please respond to a mentor's offer within three days. Once an offer is received, the application is removed from the applicant pool. Delays in rejecting an offer reduce the chance of being available for another position and prevent other qualified applicants from being reviewed. Consider carefully before rejecting a position; other appropriate positions may not be available or offered.
• Everyone is not guaranteed an internship, but the quicker you decide on whether or not you like a placement, the better your chances are of securing one.
• Please contact GIFT following the interview and let us know the results. top

Graduate Credit or Professional Learning Units (PLU’s)
To receive graduate credit, a teacher must be enrolled in the University of Georgia’s Graduate School and must have GIFT approved as a transient course if already enrolled in another institution for a graduate program of study. After acceptance by the Graduate School, contact the Coordinator of Academic Programs on the Tifton Campus for registration help – Erin Womack, ewomack@uga.edu, 229-386-3528. GIFT is offered as a Special Topics Course through the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences.

Professional Learning Units are awarded upon a passing grade on the Action Plan. top

Frequently Asked Questions
Will mentors be “at our level”?
GIFT is a voluntary program on the part of the scientists. They receive no compensation and no career advancement for participating. Therefore, those who sign up to be mentors have a sincere interest in working with classroom teachers. No one is ever offended if you ask questions or simply say “You don’t have a clue what’s going on.” One year when a UGA scientist saw what a teacher had designed for a classroom lab as a result of working with him, he asked that she design a lab for him to use with his college students. It’s these types of relationships that benefit all involved. Mentors will be briefed about teacher backgrounds and national and state science objectives.

How long will I work everyday?
GIFT is a job, so you will work the same hours as your mentor 5 days a week. Sometimes, it is necessary for a lead mentor to be absent for part of the experience, but others will step in to guide you.

What if I am not sure about a placement?
No mentor or fellow wants to be involved in a project that they are not interested in. If a mentor calls, get as much information as you can about a project. If you’re still unsure, give the mentor an idea of your classroom science objectives because your application will only give subject areas not specific objectives. Remember, though, that much of what you are exposed to in your internship will not be in textbooks, yet, and you will be the bridge between the classroom and the actual research taking place. This is a learning experience – a chance for the teacher to go back to school.

How much outside time is required for GIFT?
GIFT is a full time job so no other plans should be made for the duration of the internship. The required Action Plan can usually be completed within the timeframe of the internship, but sometimes a four week experience may take outside time to complete it.

When are stipends rewarded?
Stipends are rewarded upon successful completion of the internship and when an Action Plan is turned in. There are no partial stipends given. If you must quit the program, no stipend will be given. Stipends are usually received the middle of September, but because they come from several sources, this time is not exact.

Do you pay mileage?
Mileage is paid as well as lodging and meals to attend the End of Summer Workshop (which is required) at Ga. Tech in Atlanta at the conclusion of the internship. Mileage is not paid on a daily basis for participation in the internship. top