Teacher Grant Endowment
Case Statement
Why Grants are Needed
The average teacher now spends a minimum of $1,000 of their paycheck for classroom supplies. Most teachers in the South Bend Community School Corporation spend much more. With dwindling state funding and tax base support, schools are finding it difficult to fund the basic necessities. Teachers must choose between purchasing the items with their own money, or forgoing the materials their students need. Money for creativity and innovation in the classroom is not available to fund new thinking.
How
Through the recent strategic planning process, The Public Education Foundation identified the need to sustain and endow teacher classroom and professional development grants. Positive teacher response and innovations that occur from the awarding of the teacher grants were driving factors behind the selection of the goal. In order to continue to fund new opportunities for teachers, the Foundation is committed to endowing a $500,000 Teacher Grant Fund that will fund a five percent payout of $20,000 annually for innovative classroom projects.
The History Behind the Grants
At its inception, Foundation directors launched the teacher grant program which was identified as a vehicle to drive innovation. Through this program, we have awarded $207,000 in 190 classroom grants for teachers to fund innovative classroom projects. In addition, over $25,000 has been funded so that principals may attend the Principal’s LeadershipAcademy.(Please see the attached newsletter detailing specific teacher grants.)
You Can Make A Difference
Teacher grants allow teachers to creatively think about ways to reach and teach students who may struggle in the classroom. Endowing the Teacher Grants will guarantee that the innovation continues. Please give generously to grow the innovation for South Bend’s children.
Named grant opportunities are available. The following named grants are currently available, or you may wish donate to the main teacher grant endowment. The endowment fund is held at the Community Foundation of St. Joseph County:
David F. Hendrix, Ed.D. Teacher Grant
Roland Kelly Language Arts Teacher Grant
M. Mendel Piser Teacher Grant
Karen Schirmer Fine Arts Teacher Grant
Mark Tulchinsky Memorial Teacher Grant
Dr. James Wilson Teacher Grant
Don’t Wait
These are difficult economic times, but our students are depending on us. Every year children need to expand their academicabilities, graduate and plan for the future. They won’t wait for us to take a break from giving. Your gifts to the Foundation make a critical difference in providing opportunities for students and staff beyond what dwindling tax dollars support.
Your gift will allow future generations of South BendPublic School students to have additional opportunities to excel both in school and in life.
Please contact the Foundation office (574) 283-8039 to discuss naming a teacher grant.