Innovation Idol Competition

This will be the Santa Cruz COE's Inaugural Innovation Idol Competition, where educators across Santa Cruz County can compete to earn up to $1,000 towards a classroom project, lesson or unit. Applicants must submit a written description, a budget & a video explanation. Three finalists will be selected from elementary and secondary to present their idea live in front of an expert panel. One elementary teacher or teacher team and one secondary teacher or teacher team will be selected to receive $1,000 to make their vision come to life.

How to apply:

Written Description Details

Think about how your idea is both innovative and educationally impactful in your classroom or region. If you advance to the final round, you may be asked for more detail about how your idea is something that could impact classrooms beyond your own. Then, create a written description using our lesson plan template.

Video Explanation Details

Create and upload a 60-second video of your lesson or project idea on our Santa Cruz COE Innovation Idol Padlet.

Budget Template Details

Create your detailed budget, not to exceed $1,000.

Eligibility

Any part or full-time TK-12 educator or team of educators that work within Santa Cruz County are eligible to apply. To be considered as a finalist, applicants must present their idea to a panel.