2019-20 Innovative Educator Grant Awards
The Springfield Education Foundation is proud to award Innovative Educator Grants to educators in Springfield Public Schools for the 2019-20 academic year. The purpose of this grant program is to increase student engagement, improve attendance, serve under-deserved students populations, improve graduation rates, and promote career opportunities and college connections.
Elementary School Awards (K-5)
“Academic and Social Games for Students”
Educator: Paula Anderson
Impact: 50 students
Award Amount: $275.00
This grant supplies new games that offer academic and social skills and positive behavior support.
“Early Readers Foundational Series”
Educator: Constance Anderson
Impact: 150 students
Award Amount: $868.00
This grant will implement the Flyleaf Curriculum for students at risk of reading failure.
“Mystery Science”
Educator: Mick Drath
Impact: 365 students
Award Amount: $499.00
Mystery Science will be used by all students to provide exciting and engaging science lessons.
“Social Emotional Learning in Elementary”
Educator: Colleen O’Meara
Impact: 225 students
Award Amount: $1,327.00
This would purchase Second Step kits for the rest of the elementary school.
“Second Steps Supplemental Literature Library”
Educator: Devon Annalora
Impact: 370 students
Award Amount: $500.00
This will enable all students in Douglas Gardens to be involved in 2nd Steps.
“Learning Language Through Literature”
Educator: Sara Starlin
Impact: 150 Students
Award Amount: $1,601.88
These books target explicit instruction in sequencing ideas and explain answers concisely.
“Portable Elementary School Keyboard Lab”
Educator: Dorian Buttacavoli
Impact: 5060 Students
Award Amount: $1,496.80
A Portable Keyboard Lab to be shared within the Springfield School District grades K-5. Students will each have earphones in order to work individually.
“Conscious Discipline”
Educator: Tonya Reichenburg
Impact: 475 Students
Award Amount: $2,966.00
A trauma informed brain based approach to social emotional learning and classroom management.
“Innovative Classroom Flexible Seating”
Educator: Ashley Buchholz
Impact: 45 Students
Award Amount: $1,303.27
This grant purchases flexible seating as an alternative to traditional classroom seating allowing students to make choices that positively impact their learning. This is especially helpful to students with ADHA, autism and other special needs.
Middle School Awards (6-8)
“STEAM Roll”
Educator: Joe Hass
Impact: 508 Students
Award Amount: $2,233.00
This grant will teach STEM concepts through a pinewood roller derby program.
“Bike School”
Educator: Cory Edwards
Impact: 25 Students
Award Amount: $1,326.09
Teaches underserved students how to build and maintain a bicycle.
High School Awards (9-12)
“High School Speech and Debate Team”
Educator: Corrie Aljian
Community Partner: Tom Lininger
Impact: 75 Students
Award Amount: $1,000.00
High school debaters will compete in tournaments and coach middle schoolers. Studies show debate improves school performance and graduation rates.
“Theatrical Light Design”
Educator: Jill Plumb
Impact: 150 Students
Award Amount: $2,999.00
This grant will provide an opportunity for practical, hands-on experience with relevant lighting equipment.
“Gaining Essential Skills for Adulthood”
Educator: Stacey Whaley
Impact: 150 Students
Award Amount: $1,000.00
This curriculum gives teachers the skills to teach post high school skills needed for success.
“Small Group Music Lessons”
Educator: Jonathon Light
Impact: 150 Students
Award Amount: $3,000.00
This grant will provide students with small group lessons from highly qualified musicians
“Diverse and Up-To-Date Library Materials”
Educator: Benni Rose
Impact: 1200 Students
Award Amount: $3,000.00
This project will update the library with fiction and nonfiction materials that are up-to-date and reflect the diversity of our school’s student body.
“Reading to Meet the Needs of All”
Educator: Judy Thomas
Impact: 310 Students
Award Amount: $1,940.00
This would add books which target special needs, ESL, and struggling readers.
District-Wide Grants (K-12)
“Tools and Teams Construct Communication”
Educator: Amy LeRoy
Impact: 75 Students
Award Amount: $3,000.00
Severe communication needs are addressed with this grant.
