Two local teachers have received $1,000 grants from the Maps Community Foundation for use in classroom and schoolwide community projects.
Lisa Iverson of Turner Elementary School plans to purchase games and other learning tools to help her students catch up with their reading skills.
“I am so thankful and excited to receive the Maps Credit Union grant,” Iverson said. “During the pandemic shutdowns and online school, so many students missed out on essential learning time and it is impacting their development of reading skills. This money will be used to purchase games and books that will help students learn these essential skills in a fun engaging way.”
Hollie Carlile, a reading specialist at Mari-Linn School in Lyons, will purchase books, games, colored pencils and more to enhance the K-8 literacy intervention program and make learning to read more fun and engaging.
On Dec. 13, the Foundation awarded 25 grants totaling $25,000 to K-12 teachers from around the Mid-Willamette Valley. The money will be used for student impact work with projects, ranging from emotional wellness curriculum to space telescopes, field trips, ukuleles and boom whackers.
“I look forward to our grant program every year,” said Kim Hanson, Maps Community Foundation executive director. “We get to recognize teachers – people who are doing meaningful work, making an incredible difference in our children’s lives every day. We are so inspired by the dedication of our local teachers.”
As noted in the Foundation’s 2021-2024 strategic plan, “We invest time and resources into projects and programs that build upon Maps legacy of supporting education and promoting life-long learning to shape a healthy, thriving future for our Mid-Willamette Valley region.”
The funds are part of the Foundation’s Education impact area, and this program is closely tied to the credit union’s roots as a teacher’s credit union.
For more information, see winner details at www.mapscu.com/community-involvement/teacher-grants.
