Three Bloomington teachers earn grants to enhance teaching

Three Bloomington teachers received Education Minnesota Foundation grants for Excellence in Teaching and Learning.

Lynne Wilton, a Normandale Hills Elementary teacher, Terry Cooper, an Indian Mounds Elementary teacher, and Mary Childs, a Valley View Middle School teacher were awarded grants out of 39 classroom grant projects funded this year statewide by Education Minnesota Foundation to encourage creative and innovative projects that enhance teaching and learning.

"We are proud of our innovative and creative teachers in Bloomington," said Les Fujitake, Superintendent. "The creativity that Terry, Lynne and Mary are honored for is an example of the excellent education Bloomington teachers provide."

Mary Childs received a $1,880 grant for "Giving Voices to All Students." The purpose of this project is to increase students' engagement in their own learning by actively sharing their thoughts and opinions. Using handheld devices that display everyone's responses, all Valley View students in Child's class will have opportunities to be "heard" in the classroom.

Terry Cooper received a $2,994 grant for "Introduction to Media Arts in Fifth Grade." This project's goal is to encourage Indian Mounds' students in her class to become media literate and capable of producing and analyzing artwork. Elementary students will engage in media arts that challenge their creativity and technical skill.

Lynne Wilton received a $2,810 grant for "Project STAR." Parent information sessions that encourage family involvement will be part of the Strategic Teaching And Reading project in Wilton's Normandale Hills class. By using appropriately leveled reading materials and increasing reading time, students can improve their comprehension strategies.

The Education Minnesota Foundation for Excellence in Teaching and Learning was created in 1992. Education Minnesota members fund the Foundation by paying $5 per member per year. Through these contributions, Minnesota teachers affirm support of the talents and creativity of their peers.

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