City of Fishers awards local teachers with nearly $100,000 for classroom innovation

Trending...
~ Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness has once again shown his commitment to education by awarding five new Education Innovation Grants to support teachers within the Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) school district. The surprise announcement was made at a recent event, where the mayor presented over $95,000 in funding to the selected teachers.

The Educator Innovation Grant program, launched in 2024, aims to provide financial resources to educators in HSE Schools and encourage innovative teaching methods that will inspire students to think differently about learning. With this new round of grants, the total funding for the program has reached nearly $350,000.

Since its inception, the grant program has supported 22 educators across 12 schools with projects ranging from implementing virtual reality in classrooms to modernizing makerspaces for STEAM programming. The grants have also been used for professional development opportunities and other innovative projects.

One of the recipients of this round of grants is Jamie Follis from Hamilton Southeastern High School and Olio Road Productions. Follis received $16,200 to extend the film program at Olio Road Productions and allow students to produce short films throughout the school year. These films will include fictional, promotional, and documentary-style shorts with potential public viewing opportunities in collaboration with the City of Fishers.

More on indianastop.com
Jeffrey Brunnemer from Fall Creek Junior High was awarded $3,600 to purchase Time Kettle translator earbuds for students in the ENL (English as a New Language) program. These earbuds provide real-time translation and will help students become more self-sufficient and productive in subjects like mathematics where language barriers can often hinder their progress.

John McCallister from Hamilton Southeastern High School received $39,200 for a welding simulation project that will allow students to earn up to two welding certificates while preparing them for a career in trades. This technology is especially beneficial as there is limited space for traditional welding practice at the school.

Jenifer Young from Hamilton Southeastern High School was awarded $15,100 to provide additional resources for ESL (English as a Second Language) students. This project aims to bridge the language and cultural gaps that many ESL students face, empowering them to learn English and adapt to school in the U.S.

Lastly, Will Hurst from Cumberland Road Elementary received $22,980 to support the development of the school's "Village of Cumberland," which will include a "Biz Town" experience for students. This project aligns with HSE's Journey of a Student program for third-grade students.

More on indianastop.com
The selection committee responsible for awarding these grants is comprised of former educators from HSE Schools, community entrepreneurs, and HSE alumni. The committee members include retired junior high educators Mike Fassold and Brad Jackson, former elementary educator Kaleigh Arndt, Conner Prairie teacher in residence Amy Murch, and HSE alum and City of Fishers Chief of Staff Jordin Alexander.

Mayor Fadness expressed his excitement about the impact these grants will have on education in Fishers. He also encouraged other educators within HSE Schools to apply for the grant program, which accepts applications on a rolling basis with no funding cap.

To learn more about the grant program and its impact on education in Fishers, visit FishersIN.gov/InnovationGrant.

Filed Under: Government, City

Show All News | Report Violation

0 Comments

Latest on indianastop.com