Background
Frances Kidd received an M.A. in curriculum and instruction from the University of Minnesota in 1947, two years after she began teaching in the Minneapolis Public Schools.  Fran’s innovative leadership and contributions to physical education in Minneapolis, the state of Minnesota, and at the national level, are immeasurable.  She was instrumental in the development of the K-6 physical education curriculum guide in 1958, praised as innovative work in curriculum development.

Teachers and administrators clearly recognized Fran Kidd’s leadership in curriculum development.  It was, however, in the area of girls’ sports that thousands of female students recognized the impact she had upon their lives.  When Fran began working with the Minneapolis Public Schools, the program for girls’ athletics consisted of four sports (badminton, golf, swimming and tennis) and limited financial support.  Fran worked with Giffy O’Dell, director of boys’ athletics, and school district officials to “do what was best for boys and girls.”  She diligently worked to obtain additional funding for girls’ athletics and the program advanced to include transportation, practice time at pools and golf courses, uniforms, and the addition of track and field, volleyball, cross-country, and gymnastics.  Many University of Minnesota athletes came out of the interscholastic athletic program that Fran Kidd developed.

In her work in physical education with the Minneapolis Public Schools, Fran hired many physical education graduates from the College of Education and Human Development because she was impressed with the quality of their background. It has been said many times that Fran knew how to hire good teachers.  Many of the teachers hired by Fran Kidd now carry the leadership responsibilities for physical education and health in the Minneapolis schools.

Criteria
Applicant must be a student working to obtain initial teacher licensure in physical education for the upcoming year.

Application procedure
This scholarship is based on the following criteria: (1) financial need, (2) undergraduate GPA, and (3) proven potential, especially in a leadership role.  Interested and eligible applicants must submit a personal statement addressing any demonstrated leadership qualities to Elizabeth Spletzer, education specialist in the School of Kinesiology.

Submit a letter of application describing your need for this scholarship and also describing any previous leadership positions and/or potential leadership and vision.  A current unofficial academic transcript for your undergraduate and any subsequent coursework must be attached.