Each year, the RCDS Center for Innovative Teaching & Learning accepts proposals for student-centered projects that advance the School’s mission.

Proposals are reviewed by a committee of administrators (including the Head of School, Assistant Heads of School, Division Principals, and Director of the Center for Innovative Teaching & Learning) and up to five projects are selected and funded. Faculty and staff who receive Research & Innovation grants have one summer and the following school year to grow their projects from idea to implementation. An essential part of the Research & Innovation Grant program is information sharing with fellow teachers at the School to ensure that the knowledge gained from the projects benefits the entire RCDS community and creates new, exciting opportunities for innovation and collaboration.

Congratulations to the 2025-26 Research & Innovation Grant recipients!

• US Math Department Chair Tia Gueye and US Math Teacher Seb Mineo - Beyond the Numbers: Alumni Perspectives on Math Learning
• US English Teacher Tatum Bell, LS Assistant Principal Nicole Leath, and MS Language Arts Teacher Kate Marlow - Empowering Pedagogy: Instructional Coaching @ RCDS
• P.E. Teachers Nicola Clarkson, Ryan King, Russell Tombline, and Jessica Zimmerman - Connecting Personal Challenge with Nature: Outdoor Education
• Director of College Counseling Jeff Bates and Director of Counseling Kamauru Johnson - Emotional Thriving in College: Preparing Students for Their College Years