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Innovate teaching grants inspire teachers to help inspire students
In a surprise presentation, three North Lamar ISD teachers were awarded Innovating Teaching Grants by the North Lamar Education Foundation. Those receiving grants were Aaron Parker G.T. teacher Britany Creamer, the NLHS Band, and the NLHS Math Department.
“In lieu of our annual fundraiser this year, NLEF decided to turn the tables and instead of asking the staff for help, we wanted them to ask us to help,” said NLEF Board President Brittany Martin. “We wanted to take the opportunity to thank the staff and administration for all they have done for NLEF in the past.”
Creamer’s project, ‘Learning with “OSMO” sis’ is a classroom program that assists in math, ELAR, technology, art, and critical thinking skills. The program will be utilized by all students and teachers at Aaron Parker Elementary.
“We were excited to award this grant of $1,615 to Britany based on the innovativeness of the project and the fact that it touches all kids at one campus,” said Martin.
The North Lamar Band application was for a much-needed HD video camera and microphone. The NLHS Symphonic Band will be performing with a guest soloist during the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) Clinic/Convention in San Antonio. The request would enable the band to document this event as well as future concerts and contests in order to share their success and promote band activities and accomplishments. The band was awarded $250.
“We based this award on giving back to such an amazing group of staff and kids that put in so much work and that the entire NL community is so proud of,” said Martin.
North Lamar High School’s Math Department request of $4,649.70 was to purchase a class set of updated TI-84 PLUS CE Graphing Calculators to rent to students. They will replace some outdated TI-83 calculators and allow students to take them home and enhance their math skills outside of the classroom.
“We awarded this grant because we considered it an opportunity to give back to both the teachers and the students,” said Martin.
Applications were made available to all North Lamar teachers and administrators at the beginning of the school year. The applications could be completed individually, as a department, as a school, etc.
Martin said, “In awarding the grants, we were looking for something innovative, something that would inspire the teachers to inspire their students. We were also looking at ideas and projects that touched the largest number of students and the longevity of the project.”
“We had some great applications,” said Martin. “We are excited about being able to give back to the school community that has helped our Foundation become what it is today.”
The North Lamar Education Foundation was established in 1998 for the purpose of securing scholarship monies through donors and fundraising events for North Lamar seniors wishing to further their education beyond high school. Since 2000, 995 NL graduates have been awarded scholarships totaling $627,750.