CSISD teachers awarded $137,000 in innovative grants

College Station ISD surprised teachers Thursday morning with giant checks and a pep rally. The goal is to celebrate teachers that are creative in the classroom.

News 3 was there for all the action.

College Station ISD Press Release:

The College Station ISD Education Foundation today awarded 51 innovative teaching grants totaling $137,338 during its annual Grant Patrol. This year’s grants include exciting entrepreneurial projects, robotics and engineering missions, outdoor gardens, charitable giving leadership opportunities, broadcasting through podcasting, music development, and creative writing. “The Innovative Grant Program is designed to encourage and reward creative instructional approaches to accomplish curriculum objectives and enhance the educational experience for students,” shared Curt Mackey, Board President of the Education Foundation. “It’s so exciting to surprise teachers and fund their innovative teaching ideas.” “The College Station ISD Education Foundation has supported the district, our teachers, and students for over 18 years with over $1,000,000 in grants,” said CSISD Superintendent Dr. Clark Ealy. “Their financial impact has helped hundreds of teachers implement new and innovative projects in the classroom. We are thankful for the foundation and the many donors in our community who support our students.” Grant Patrol consists of Education Foundation board members and donors, along with the A&M Consolidated and College Station High School cheerleaders, mascots, and drum lines that visit CSISD campuses to award grants to this year’s winners. Each winning teacher is surprised with a check and cheering presenters to mark the occasion. The CSISD Education Foundation has awarded 469 teacher grants totaling $1,141,279 since its inception in 1999. Many businesses and community members make these grants possible through fundraising events and donations. This year’s Founder’s Level Sponsors are CHI St. Josephs Health, C.C. Creations, Caldwell Country, Copy Corner, Culpepper Realty, HEB and Rife Law Firm. The CSISD staff also has supported the Education Foundation by donating over $100,000 through the employee giving campaign this year. “We are humbled by the generosity of our staff and community when it comes to supporting our local schools,” commented Education Foundation Director Teresa Benden. “There is a great need for continued funding for our schools, and it is imperative that we raise support for excellence in public education. None of this could happen without the entire community getting behind the education of our kids.” The Education Foundation accepts grant applications annually in the fall from district teachers and staff for the development and implementation of innovative teaching programs within the classroom. Grants are awarded for programs which are not otherwise funded by tax dollars. Grants are selected by a committee comprised of board members and curriculum/instruction staff.