Northwest ISD Education Foundation awards grants to educators across the district

The Northwest ISD Education Foundation (NEF) surprised educators across the district Tuesday by awarding $90,918 in Teaching Grants to support innovative and impactful classroom initiatives.

This year, NEF awarded 33 Teaching Grants to educators at 22 campuses, with several grants benefiting multiple locations. The funded projects span a wide range of focus areas, including literacy, STEM, special education and more, all aimed at enriching learning opportunities for Northwest ISD students.

“The Teaching Grant program allows NEF to make a direct and meaningful impact in classrooms year after year,” said Jennifer Burton, NEF executive director. “Through the generosity of our supporters, we are able to continue investing in our teachers and students by bringing creative ideas to life and enhancing learning experiences across the district.”

This year, NEF received 99 grant submissions. Since the program began, NEF has awarded more than $1.9 million in Teaching Grants to Northwest ISD educators.

“NEF is committed to standing alongside our educators and students, ensuring they have the resources they need to grow, explore and succeed,” Burton said. “Supporting innovation in the classroom is at the heart of our mission.”

One of this year’s grant recipients, Jennifer O’Donnell, a special education teacher at Medlin Middle School, plans to use her grant to purchase box gardens that will allow students to plant and maintain a garden while developing fine motor skills. Additional funds will be used to purchase sensory items for students with autism.

“We can’t fund projects like this ourselves, so I figured it couldn’t hurt to apply,” O’Donnell said. “It’s really exciting. We appreciate you so much — this is the best Christmas ever!”

Check out photos from these memorable moments!
 

Teaching Grant recipients: