Pekin-area teacher hopes grant helps enhance students' writing skills
Elise Davidshofer, a fourth-grade teacher at Central Intermediate School in Washington, received a $296 grant through Western Governors University’s (WGU) “Fund My Classroom” initiative this month.
The funds will be used to purchase 29 books that will aid in a project aimed at enhancing student writing skills.
Davidshofer plans to acquire a collection of lower-level high-interest books that align with Central Intermediate’s English Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies curriculum. The books will be used during two key writing projects: a fall presentation on animal adaptations and a winter book jacket project on famous individuals.
By providing students with a wider range of reading options, Davidshofer seeks to boost engagement, cater to different reading levels, and foster confidence in research and writing. This grant will help create a more inclusive and dynamic learning environment designed to promote a love for reading and empower young writers.
The innovative classroom project is one of 22 across Illinois chosen by WGU to receive funding. The nonprofit, fully online university invited kindergarten through 12th grade teachers statewide nominate proposed classroom projects by April 14 for the opportunity to receive full or partial funding through “Fund My Classroom."
Most grants were awarded during Teacher Appreciation Week May 8-12.
“We are so glad to once again be able to offer grant funding to deserving teachers across the state through our ‘Fund My Classroom’ initiative, and we were so moved by all the nominations we received,” said Jessica Denham, Regional Director of Western Governors University. “While we aren’t able to support all the projects that were nominated, we are excited to award funding to dozens of teachers who have come up with unique and innovative ways to improve their classrooms in order to promote learning and provide an enriching experience for their students.”
More information on the “Fund My Classroom” initiative is available at wgu.edu.
This article originally appeared on Pekin Daily Times: Pekin-area teacher receives WGU "Fund my Classroom" grant
