Character education may be controversial, but it also has some massive heavyweights pushing the focus forward. Angela Duckworth, an associate professor of psychology at the University of Pennsylvania who urges teachers to push "grit" into classrooms, and Dave Levin —​ one of the people behind the KIPP (Knowledge Is Power Program) network of charter schools, which also encourages character education —​ co-founded the Character Lab.

Of course, the nonprofit, which aims to "develop, disseminate, and support research-based approaches to character that enable kids to learn and flourish," has money to dole out. Specifically, it wants to give $10,000 to seven teachers who are pioneering innovative, "character-based" projects in their classrooms. With the application deadline November 2nd, schools should be encouraging their most creative teachers to apply. The Character Lab site even suggests a few ideas of its own.

While this is a cool opportunity for teachers who are already implementing innovative, character-driven projects, it's not the only way schools and teachers can land some additional funding. Here are four other great grant initiatives:

Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Program

As you might guess based on its namesake, this award is given to teachers who specialize in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) instruction. The chosen educators leave the classroom for 11 months and spend their time working in a federal agency or U.S. Congressional office, where they bring "their extensive knowledge and experience in the classroom to education program and/or education policy efforts." The fellowship pays the chosen educators a monthly stipend of $6,000, plus an additional $1,000 a month for living costs.  Applications for the 2015-16 fellowship are due by November 20.  

IRA Regie Routman Teacher Recognition Grant

This $2,500 grant is given out annually to one mainstream elementary school teacher who proves to do an excellent job teaching reading and writing at a school with a free/reduced lunch rate of 60% or more. The application deadline is January 15, 2015, and the winner is notified in March. The 2014 winner was fifth grade teacher Tiffany Mercer of Hillsboro Intermediate School (HIS) in Hillsboro, TX. Mercer impressed the judges with her integration of technology skills and belief in peer-to-peer collaboration.  

Toshiba America Foundation's Math and Science Grants

These grant opportunities are grouped into different categories depending on the grade level. While the K-5 deadline has already occurred, grades 6-12 have rolling deadlines. Teachers who are "passionate about making science and mathematics more engaging for their students" can apply for grants up to $5,000 throughout the year. Applications for grants over $5,000 are accepted twice a year: August 1 and February 1.  

Education and Technology Grants for School Radio Programs

ARRL, the National Association for Amateur Radio, gives out grants through its Education and Technology Program, enabling classrooms to purchase equipment and resources to start their own school radio stations. Grants fall into two categories: ETP School Station grants worth $1,500 that go to schools with plans to utilize amateur radio in classroom learning, and ETP Progress Grants worth $500 that go to specific teachers who are using amateur radio in their classrooms alone. The applications are due November 1, and there is a rubric to help educators and schools know if they are eligible to apply.