Western Governors University Awards $7,906 in Grants to 5 Chicago-Area Teachers

 

Western Governors University Awards $7,906 in Grants to 5 Chicago-Area Teachers 

The K-12 teachers were among 22 in Illinois that were selected by the online, nonprofit university to receive funding for their innovative classroom projects 

Chicago – Five K-12 teachers from the Chicagoland area were recently awarded grants, totaling $7,906, through Western Governors University’s “Fund My Classroom” initiative. The grants will be used to fund innovative classroom projects that foster learning in new, unique ways. 

The five teachers who received the funding include: 

Ashley Bobak and Angeline Ogean, respectively serving as fourth and fifth-grade teachers at Liberty Elementary School in Orland Park, who each received matching grants of $3,178 to add class sets of 15 Sphero BOLT robots and a Sphero Code Mat to their classrooms, allowing them to teach coding and robotics to their students. 

Madisyn Clarida, a first-grade teacher at Lakeview Elementary School in Hoffman Estates, who received an $800 grant to add wobble seats, lap desks and other flexible seating options to her first-grade classroom to accommodate the different learning needs of her students.   

Chanel Williams, a second-grade teacher at Arthur A. Libby Elementary School in Chicago Public Schools 299, who received a $450 grant to obtain resources that will provide her students with equitable access to hands-on coding experiences and whole-group instruction. 

Macey Graf, a fourth-grade teacher at John Mills Elementary in Elmwood Park, who received a $300 grant to purchase a classroom set of Kendamas, Japanese skill toys that can improve hand-eye coordination, balance, reflex, growth, mindset and focus. 

The innovative classroom projects were among 22 in Illinois chosen by Western Governors University to receive funding. The nonprofit university issued a call in early March for K-12 teachers across the area to nominate proposed classroom projects for the opportunity to receive full or partial funding through its “Fund My Classroom” initiative. Nearly 80 nominations were received statewide. Most grants were awarded during Teacher Appreciation Week, which ran from May 8-12. 

“We received so many great nominations this year, and we are thrilled to be able to fund dozens of innovative projects that will play a role in setting up our children for success later in life,” said Dr. Terrance Hopson, Regional Vice President of Western Governors University. “K-12 teachers are often limited by the costs associated with providing impactful educational learning and end up spending money out of their own pockets. The ‘Fund My Classroom’ initiative is an opportunity for us to help make a difference in classrooms across the state and show appreciation for our teachers, who work tirelessly to educate young minds.” 

To learn more about the “Fund My Classroom” initiative and the work WGU is doing to help teachers advance their careers, visit wgu.edu.    

Established in 1997 by 19 U.S. governors with a mission to expand access to high-quality, affordable higher education, online, nonprofit WGU now serves more than 140,000 students nationwide and has more than 300,000 graduates in all 50 states. Driving innovation as the nation’s leading competency-based university, WGU has been recognized by the White House, state leaders, employers, and students as a model that works in postsecondary education. In just 25 years, the university has become a leading influence in changing the lives of individuals and families, and preparing the workforce needed in today’s rapidly evolving economy.

 WGU is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, has been named one of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies, and has been featured on NPR, NBC Nightly News, CNN, and in The New York Times. Learn more at wgu.edu. 

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