Learn about the incredible impact YOUR donations have in Springfield schools! These are just a few of the incredible programs and projects from 2021 that were funded by Springfield Education Foundation’s Innovative Educator Grants. See a full list of IE Grants from the 2022-2023 school year here.
Topographic Sandbox at Hamlin Middle School
This amazing topographic sandbox was purchased for Hamlin teacher Sergio Cano Soto’s classroom, utilizing an $1,800 Innovative Educator Grant from SEF. The augmented reality sandbox allows users to create topography models by shaping real sand, which is then augmented in real-time by an elevation color map, topography, and simulated water.
Ukuleles at Ridgeview Elementary School
Andria Martin is the Music Specialist at Ridgeview Elementary School, and she is one of 2021’s SEF Innovative Educator Grant recipients! Andria received an IE Grant for $1940, which she used to purchase a classroom set of ukuleles and a rolling cart on which to store them. This grant has made a big impact in her classroom and has given her an opportunity to expand her student’s learning opportunities through music education.
Art for All at Hamlin Middle School
Andrew Hunt, Art teacher at Hamlin Middle School, received a grant in 2021 that changed the way his students learned about various artistic styles. 6-8th graders in his classes learned about photography, climate change, and so much more thanks to an Innovative Educator Grant from SEF.
BARE Books at Ridgeview Elementary School
Stephanie Lovdokken, teacher at Ridgeview Elementary in Springfield, OR, was one of 2021’s Innovative Educator Grant recipients! She used her $2,000 Springfield Education Foundation Grant to purchase BARE Books for the students in each of her classes.
New Musical Instruments at Agnes Stewart
Another SEF Innovative Educator Grant recipient from 2021 was Jarek Bartels, Band and Orchestra Instructor at Agnes Stewart Middle School! He was granted $2,563 to purchase a new timapani and bass drum for his programs. These instruments replaced very old equipment and help to keep students engaged in music!
