In an extraordinary display of appreciation and support for the dedicated educators within the Garland ISD community, the district’s Education Foundation has surprised teachers and staff with a record number of grants and scholarships for the 2023-2024 school year. Lisa Cox, president of the GISD Education Foundation (GEF), says the foundation’s goal each year is to turn dollars into dreams.
“We are so excited that we were able to raise a record amount of money for grants and scholarships this year,” said Cox. “We gave grants to teachers in core subjects, special education, fine arts, and physical education/athletics. Going to the campuses and surprising the teachers is one of my favorite parts of the year.”
The GISD Education Foundation (GEF) gave more than $287,000 in grants and $26,250 in continuing education scholarships to district teachers and staff. In total, 239 grants and scholarships were distributed. Each year in the fall, district educators have the chance to submit grant proposals outlining their ideas for supporting GISD students.
Crystal Martinez, a North Garland High School forensic science teacher, received a $1,000 grant. She says the funds will purchase pigs for a March autopsy lesson.
“It’s awesome that the students will be able to do the dissections in person now,” said Martinez. “There is a virtual option, but in my experience, the students learn better when they can get their hands on things and examine them up close.”
Katerin Clavijo, a fifth-grade teacher from Walnut Glen Elementary, says her $177 in grant funds will purchase glowsticks and other camp-themed materials to help decorate her classroom for an upcoming lesson with the other fifth-grade teachers.
Clavijo’s grant was funded directly by a community member during the GEF fundraising event, Tinsel & Trivia, in December 2023.
Other teachers will use their grants to purchase new technology equipment, supplies, classroom materials, and even classroom furniture.
Cox noted an interesting theme in many of the grant applications this year.
“We received more grant requests focusing on social-emotional learning,” recalled Cox. “It’s a trend that has increased over the last few years. There were several requests for calming rooms, calming corners, and other sensory items.”
Garland ISD and the GISD Education Foundation are proud to be able to give back to our teachers and staff each year.
Information and photo provided by Garland ISD.