Christmas came a few days early for 31 educators across Northwest ISD as members of Northwest Education Foundation surprised them Dec. 19 with $81,860 in grants to support innovative teaching initiatives.

The details

According to the news release, the 31 grants awarded to teachers at 21 campuses will fund a variety of learning projects, including:

• Literacy
• STEM
• Special education

NEF received 95 submissions this year, the highest number since before the COVID-19 pandemic.

What they’re saying

Naomi Ciomperlik, a Chisholm Trail Middle School special education teacher, said she plans to use the grant to purchase leveled readers—books designed with age-appropriate stories and vocabulary—for her students.

“I had no idea I was going to get this [grant].” Ciomperlik said. “I’m just so excited.”

Kristen Martinez, a Schluter Elementary counselor, will use the funds to provide classrooms with simulated pets to serve as emotional support tools for students.

“You never know what challenges these kids face outside of school,” Martinez said. “Having something like this in the classroom offers comfort and helps them focus on learning. This grant will help us address their emotional needs and quickly get back to the business of education.”

NEF Executive Director Jennifer Burton said the grant program allows the organization to impact learning in unique ways every year.

“Over the years, we’ve seen students thrive through opportunities made possible by the NEF Teaching Grant program,” Burton said. “We can’t wait to see the impact of this year’s projects.”

For a full list of grant recipients, click here.