Are you looking for a funding source to help support your Direct Instruction implementation? The Engelmann Foundation, created in 1997, could be the answer to your need. The foundation is dedicated to continuing the legacy of Siegfried "Zig"

Engelmann through the support, promotion, and development of educators around the world who implement Direct Instruction with their students.

Over the years, the foundation has distributed 112 grants totaling over $729,000. The Engelmann Foundation offers two grant opportunities: General Grants and Conference Grants. General Grants are designed to support projects, training and development, implementation, and other similar endeavors that utilize Direct Instruction (DI) programs. Conference Grants are tailored to provide funds to attend the annual National Direct Instruction Conference hosted by the National Institute for Direct Instruction in Eugene, Oregon, each July. Both grant application types operate on a twice-yearly schedule. The deadline for submitting grants for the current cycle is April 1, with the second submission date falling on October 2.

Plan on being in Eugene, Oregon, July 15-19, 2024, to attend the 50th National Direct Instruction Conference and Institutes. We are planning an amazing week of training and special events to celebrate this milestone.

The conference began as a small, regional training held at a high school in Eugene with an attendance of 80 educators, mostly from the West Coast. Since 1974, as many as 750 educators from around the world have gathered each year in Eugene to attend what is regarded as the most comprehensive DI training available. NIFDI began sponsoring the conference in 2014 and has expanded the offerings to include a 5-day Administrator Leadership Institute, a greater variety of preconference sessions, and training on the full range of DI programs.

Registration is now open! Be sure to begin making your travel plans now!

An important feature of successful Direct Instruction implementations is to celebrate success—success of students, teachers and entire schools. Each year, we recognize individuals and schools that have made a significant difference in the educational performance of children through the following awards:

• The Wayne Carnine Student Improvement Award – This award is named after the father of Doug Carnine, DI co-author and longtime Professor of Education at the University of Oregon and founder of KINDR (formerly the Choose Kindness Foundation). It is given to a student who has demonstrated outstanding improvement, academic or behavioral. Teachers submit nominations. The winner, selected by Doug and Linda Carnine, will be presented with a plaque and $1,000. The winner's school will also receive $1,000.

• Siegfried Engelmann Excellence in Education Award – This award is named after Siegfried “Zig” Engelmann, co-creator of Direct Instruction, senior author of the DI programs, and founder of NIFDI. The recipient of this award can be anyone – a teacher, paraprofessional, administrator, college professor, etc. – who has provided a significant contribution to the field of education and/or student achievement.

• Wes Becker Excellent School Award – This award is named after Wesley Becker, co-creator of Direct Instruction and longtime Professor of Educational Psychology at the University of Oregon. This award is given to a school for exemplary implementation of Direct Instruction.

Please take the opportunity to honor a member of the DI “family.” The nomination process is simple, and it means so much to the individuals and our profession. Please identify and nominate a colleague and/or school that has made a difference. Nomination applications are short (1-2 pages) and are available on our website. Nominations are due in our office by June 3rd, so download the application packet today!

Join veteran trainer Tamara Bressi on April 4 & 5 for NIFDI’s popular academy–Enhanced Coaching and Facilitating Professional Development. This 2-day training at the Hotel Indigo Atlanta Airport equips building and district-level instructional coaches, peer coaches, lead teachers, and mentor teachers with critical coaching and support skills.   

  With effective peer coaching, staff development, and strong leadership, teachers using Direct Instruction will improve dramatically, and students will progress farther and faster than they ever have before

  Here is a sampling of topics that will be covered:

• Refining observational skills
• Facilitating rehearsal sessions
• Determining the appropriate intervention
• Facilitating Data Analysis Team meetings

  A description and registration information is available on our website. You can also contact Bryan Wickman, NIFDI's Outreach Events Coordinator, at 1.877.485.1973 or by email at info@nifdi.org with questions or for more information.