It’s nothing new for teachers to pay for classroom supplies out of their own pockets. That’s why Excellence in Education, SFACF’s sponsorship program for area public and private school teachers in grades K-12, sees more than 30 applications each year. The grants help teachers cover costs for innovative projects that keep students engaged and learning.
“It’s exciting to see how many teachers in our community want to go above and beyond for their students,” says Patrick Gale, SFACF program officer. “We saw so many creative ideas this year, especially in the areas of math and special education. I think it demonstrates the passion our teachers have for their work. It’s truly inspiring.”
Sharon Scheuler is a veteran volunteer on the Excellence in Education selection panel and looks forward to the project year after year. “We get to do a job everyone dreams of: giving away money,” says Schueler, who is coordinator of assessment and evaluation for the Sioux Falls School District. “We had the quantity of applicants this year and more important, we also had quality projects. We hope these programs enhance classroom instruction in a way that improves student achievement. That’s what it’s all about.”
In all, Scheuler and fellow panel members Chris and Shelly Skinner and Linda Larson funded 16 projects, for a total of $11,658 in direct classroom support.
Here's a list of this year's Excellence in Education award recipients.
Brenda Bahnson et al
Tri-Valley School District
Kindergarten through 12th grades
Sponsors a “Love our Planet” celebration in May 2010 to teach students and parents the basics of soil, nature, and water conservation — including recycling, alternative energy sources, and horticulture. $1,000
Angi Cable
Harrisburg Liberty Elementary School
Kindergarten through second grades
Increases oral reading fluency through “Reader’s Theater,” incorporating scripts from nursery rhymes, fables, and nonfiction that students will perform aloud — much like a stage play without the physical action. $997
Jason Donnelly and Katie Sheets
Harrisburg Middle School
Fifth through eighth grades
Provides hands-on math learning experiences for students enrolled in the advanced placement courses of the “SpringBoard” curriculum. $832
Stacia Ericsson et al
Brandon Valley Middle School
Seventh grade
Develops communication skills, inventive thinking, and collaboration among the “Aspiring Advertisers,” who research and debate topics before designing campaigns to “sell” their product brand to classmates. $510
Danielle Fatland
Christ the King Elementary School
Kindergarten through third grades
Increases understanding of math concepts through stories found in “Math Through Children’s Literature,” which suggests various trade books that intertwine language arts and math skills. $1,000
Jeff Gordon
O’Gorman High School
10th through 12th grades
Develops critical reading and assessment skills as students compare outcomes from reading “Brave Companions” in standard book form and using a Kindle e-reader to read the same work. Students will discuss how technology helps shape comprehension and why some tech gadgets transcend fads to become an enduring part of modern society. $219