Creative Teaching: Wendy & Alan Pesky Fund for Educators SVMoA Scholarship Application

SVMoA Scholarship Application
Creative Teaching: Wendy & Alan Pesky Fund for Educators
The information provided on this form will be used by the Review and Selection Committee to select recipients for scholarships from Sun Valley Museum of Art. Please complete each question carefully and completely.
About the Scholarship

Wendy and Alan Pesky are long-time supporters of Sun Valley Museum of Art and arts education. As founders of the Lee Pesky Learning Center, Wendy and Alan have built Idaho’s leading organization for early special education. They have worked extensively with students, educators, and universities in numerous capacities to further education in Idaho and beyond.

This scholarship is available to Blaine County educators currently teaching in either the public or private sector. Educators must teach pre-K through high school. Designed for educators committed to fostering arts integration into their curriculum, this scholarship provides funding for teachers seeking professional development to deepen their knowledge and skills in arts education.

Creative Teaching: Wendy & Alan Pesky Fund for Educators supports formal professional development linked to the visual arts, performing arts, and/or humanities, enabling educators—regardless of their subject area—to integrate the arts into their teaching practice more effectively.

There is no set limit on the scholarship amount, allowing educators to apply for funding based on their specific professional development needs.

Who Can Apply?
- K–12 educators teaching in Blaine County or the surrounding areas.
- Educators looking to enhance their arts integration skills and creative teaching strategies.
- Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to enriching students' learning experiences through the arts.
UPDATED DEADLINE
Scholarship Application Deadline: Friday, March 20, 2026

Please note: The application deadline has been extended from the original March 1, 2026 date.
Unsure If You Qualify?

If you are unsure whether you are eligible for this scholarship, please email us at education@svmoa.org for approval before applying. We are happy to answer any questions!

If you have additional questions or need guidance, we’re here to help.

Applicant Information
Name*

First NameLast Name
What are your pronouns (e.g. he/him, she/her, they/them, etc.)? (Optional)
Email Address (Please use a personal email, not your school email address.)*
example@example.com
Phone Number*
Please enter a valid phone number.
Mailing Address (Please note that this may be different from your residential address.)*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Where are you employed?*
What student grade-level(s) do you work with?

Pre-KGrades K-5Grades 6-8Grades 9-12

Creative Teaching Scholarship Application Questions

These questions are required for all applicants. To avoid losing work, please use a different platform to write your drafts and save your writing.
In your own words, describe the program you wish to attend. Why are you interested in this program? Include your background/experience in this area of interest. (approximately 250 words)*
How would attending this program support your work in the classroom? (approximately 250 words)*
Imagine walking through an art gallery where each piece tells a story—some personal, others reflecting culture and society. Art—whether in painting, architecture, fashion, street art, or film—connects to our experiences and beliefs. Think of a time when art helped you see yourself or the world differently. How did it shape your thoughts, feelings, or perspective on identity and culture? (approximately 250 words)*
In your experience, how do the arts enrich your students' education? (200-300 words)*
Is there anything you wish the Review and Selection Committee to know in their consideration of your application? Use this space to share more about who you are and/or tell them about a person, artwork, performance, etc. that inspires you. (Optional)
Estimated Program Costs Request

The scholarship amount has not been determined, but we would like to request an estimate of the costs associated with travel, room and board (if applicable), and tuition for visual arts summer programs, workshops, or pre-college courses. If available, please provide attachments or documentation detailing these estimates, including information on tuition fees, housing options, meal plans, and typical travel expenses to the program location.
Link to the program of interest:*
Workshop/Program Tuition – List tuition fees and any additional program costs (e.g., materials, registration).

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Room & Board Estimate – Covers housing costs (on-campus dorms, hotels, rentals) and meal plans, if applicable.

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Estimated Travel Costs – Includes airfare, train, or other transportation costs based on departure location and program destination.

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Estimated Total Scholarship Amount Requested*

Required Supporting Documents
Resumé

Please submit a current resumé that outlines your professional experience, educational background, and any relevant activities related to arts integration and education. The resumé should provide an overview of your teaching experience, skills, and accomplishments in the field.

Key elements to include:
- Teaching Experience: List your current and past teaching positions, including the subjects and grade levels taught. Highlight any experience incorporating the arts into your curriculum.
- Professional Development: Include any workshops, courses, or certifications you have completed, especially those related to arts education, creative teaching strategies, or interdisciplinary learning.
- Arts Integration & Experience: Detail any involvement in visual arts, performing arts, or humanities, whether through classroom instruction, extracurricular activities, or personal creative practice.
- Honors & Awards: Mention any grants, fellowships, or recognitions received for teaching excellence, innovation, or contributions to arts education.
- Skills & Competencies: Highlight relevant skills, such as arts integration techniques, curriculum development, leadership in arts initiatives, or proficiency with creative tools and technologies.
- Additional Activities: Include any leadership roles, community involvement, or collaborations with arts organizations that support arts education and student engagement.
Resumé (PDF format preferred.)*

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Artwork Submission
As part of your application for the Creative Teaching: Wendy & Alan Pesky Fund for Educators scholarship, we ask you to submit a portfolio showcasing your artwork.

We welcome all skills to submit---whether you are just beginning your artistic journey or have years of experience. You do not need formal art training to apply! We want to see your creativity, curiosity, and unique perspective.

What to Include in Your Portfolio:
- 5–10 pieces of original artwork that best represent your artistic interests and skills.
- Your portfolio can include finished works, sketches, studies, or works-in-progress—we are looking for growth and passion, not perfection!
- Accepted media include drawing, painting, sculpture, digital art, photography, graphic design, animation, fashion design, architecture, film, ceramics, and more.
- Each piece should be labeled with title, medium, and year created.
Submission Guidelines:
- You may submit your portfolio in one of the following formats:
  - A PDF document containing images of your work
  - A PowerPoint or Google Slides presentation (save as a PDF before submitting)
- Ensure images are high-quality and well-lit to best showcase your work.
- If submitting time-based media (e.g., animations, video art), provide a YouTube, Vimeo, or Google Drive link with appropriate access permissions.
New to Putting Together a Portfolio?
No worries! We encourage you to submit work that is meaningful to you, whether it's a polished piece or a rough sketch that captures your creative thinking. Your portfolio is about your artistic voice and journey, not just finished work.

If you have questions or need guidance, we’re happy to help! Reach out to us for portfolio tips or advice—we want every interested educator to feel confident applying.

We can’t wait to see your work!
Upload your PDF Portfolio here:

Please upload a file no larger than 1GB.
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Letters of Recommendation Requirement
As part of your application for the Creative Teaching: Wendy & Alan Pesky Fund for Educators scholarship, you are required to submit two letters of recommendation from individuals who can speak to your dedication to education, creativity, and work ethic.

Who Can Write Your Letters?
Your letters should come from students, principals, mentors, art instructors, or other adults who are familiar with your teaching. Recommenders do not need to be art professionals specifically, but they should be able to speak to your character, creativity, and commitment to learning and teaching.

How to Submit Your Letters:

Letters must be submitted directly by the recommender through the official recommendation link.

Recommenders can find the submission link after you submit your application and on the SVMoA website.

Letters must be received by Friday, March 20, 2026, to be considered with your application.

How to Request a Letter of Recommendation

It’s important to ask for recommendations early and provide your recommenders with all the necessary details. Below is a sample request you can modify:

Dear [Recommender’s Name],

I am applying for the Sun Valley Museum of Art’s Creative Teaching: Wendy & Alan Pesky Fund for Educators scholarship to support my professional development in arts education. As part of my application, I need to submit a letter of recommendation from someone who can speak to my teaching experience, commitment to arts integration, and dedication to enriching student learning through the arts.

[Briefly describe the professional development opportunity you are pursuing and how it will enhance your teaching practice.]

You can upload your letter through the official recommendation link provided here: [insert link]. The link can also be found on the SVMoA website. The deadline for submission is Friday, March 20, 2026.

If you need any additional information about my teaching, goals, or the scholarship, I’d be happy to provide it. Thank you for your time and support. I truly appreciate it!

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

If you or your recommenders have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us at education@svmoa.org.
Reference 1: Full Name*

First NameLast Name
Reference 1: Email Address*
example@example.com
Reference 2: Full Name*

First NameLast Name
Reference 2: Email Address*
example@example.com

We appreciate your effort in putting together a strong application and look forward to reviewing your work!
Click SUBMIT to send your completed application to SVMoA.
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SVMoA Scholarship Application

Creative Teaching: Wendy & Alan Pesky Fund for Educators

Applicant Information

Creative Teaching Scholarship Application Questions

Required Supporting Documents

Artwork Submission

Click SUBMIT to send your completed application to SVMoA.