Contests and Grants
Got a project in mind? Apply for a MinneTESOL Mini-Grant!
Our next round of grants is now underway! Applications are due February 15, 2012, and awardees will be notifed by March 30, 2012.
To download the application form: Grant Application 2012 (77)
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2011-2012 MinneTESOL Essay Contest is now underway!
This contest is open to anyone in the state of Minnesota who is currently studying English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), from elementary, middle, and high school, to adult basic education and college/Intensive English Programs. A learner’s English instructor must assist with the submission of an essay.
Participants are invited to write on one of the following topics:
1. If I could wave a magic wand
2. A time I was excited about learning something new
Requirements:
The essay must:
1) address one of the topics specified above
2) be the writer’s original work (Teachers may provide feedback on various drafts of a writer’s work but are not permitted to edit the essay prior to submission.)
3) be legibly written or typed
4) contain 500 or fewer words
5) not have been published elsewhere or submitted for other contests
6) have a completed entry form attached as a header sheet
Note: Entries that do not meet the requirements, including the word limit, will be disqualified.
Teachers, please send only your best entries. No more than three entries may be submitted by any teacher.
Judging criteria:
The essay will be judged on:
clarity – the intended meaning is clear; any second language indicators do not get in the way of the meaning
focus & organization – writer’s topic is clear and maintained throughout; ideas are clearly organized
originality – the personal voice of the writer shines through in style and content
Submission: All submissions should include a completed and signed entry form (scanned and attached) and an email address for confirmation of entry. Handwritten essays should be scanned and sent as an attachment. Download form here: 2011_2012 Essay Contest Form (53)
E-mail entries to: Astrid.Liden@state.mn.us
Deadline: Entries must be received by May 1, 2012. Winners and their teachers will be notified by May 18, 2012.
Prizes: Winners will receive $30 cash and winning entries will be posted on the MinneTESOL website. One prize will be given in each of the following groups:
- Elementary school
- Middle school
- High school
- Adult basic education
- College/Intensive English Program
Questions may be directed to Astrid Liden at Astrid.Liden@state.mn.us or 651-582-8424.
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The 2010 Fall Poster Contest
Theme for 2010: “Language: A Thread that Weaves Us Together”
TheMinneTESOL Poster Contest was held in Fall 2010 and winners announced at the fall conference. Six cash awards were given: one grand prize and 5 winners from kindergarten through adult learners.
Chairperson: Laura Funke, lfunke@inverhills.edu
Congratulations to our 2010 Poster Contest winner! Anton Kalashnikau Maple Grove Junior High Grade 9 Age 14 Teacher: Brandice Kelzenberg
Congratulations to our 2010 grant awardees:
Bridget Bordelon
Rosemary Sharkey
Stephanie Sommers
Patsy Vinogradov
| Adult: | Tong Vue |
| College: | Kyung Joo Cha |
| Secondary: | Ekaterina Dahl |
| Elementary: | Mor Yang |
Read all the essays by clicking here (492).
A big thank you to all the learners who submitted essays, their teachers, and to Laura Funke for coordinating this contest.
Congratulations to our 2008 Poster Contest Winners!
We have chosen TWO grand prize winners who will each be awarded $50.00.
Grand Prize Winners:
Josue Gonzalez
First Language: Spanish (born in Mexico)
Grade 5
Vista View Elementary
Burnsville, MN
(Teacher: Mindi Limberg)
Lilianne Vang
First Language: Hmong
Grade 7
Buffalo Community Middle School
Buffalo, MN
(Teacher: Lisa Jensen)
Each of the First Place winners for these categories will be awarded $25.00.
First Place in Grade 4-6 Category:
Fakiha Ahmed
First Language: Amheric (born in Ethiopia)
Grade 5
Vista View Elementary
Burnsville, MN
(Teacher: Mindi Limberg)
First Place in Grade 5-7 Category:
Alejandra Ramos
First Language: Spanish (born in Mexico)
Southwest Middle School
Albert Lea, MN
(Teacher: Sue Ellis)
2007 Winners of the MinneTESOL Essay Contest
Congratulations to the winners of the 2007 Essay contest. This contest was open to all students currently studying English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) in MN. Essays were limited to 500 words or less and the student’s instructor had to assist with the application process.
And the winners are….(click on links to read essays)
| Elementary school: | Duyen Do, Virginia , MN |
| Middle school: | Anthu Huynh, Apple Valley, MN |
| High school: | Khadra Mohamed, Oakdale, MN |
| Adult Basic Education: | Rebeca Robles, Fridley, MN |
Each prize winner was awarded $30 and publication on our website.
