VEA Mini-Grants Launch Learning in Virginia Classrooms
December 10, 2021
December 10, 2021
VEA is always looking for ways to improve instruction in our public schools, and the annual Mini-Grants program is one of the Union’s most effective tactics. Educators can get up to $500 to launch a dream they’ve had for their students. Here are our 2021 grant-winners, along with the projects they’ve created:
Kathleen Bochert, Frederick County Education Association, “Bonzai Trees for Mindfulness”
Sharon Carino, Gloucester Education Association, “Design to Play: Using Iterative Design in the Classroom”
Michele Copeland, Loudoun Education Association, “Super Scientists”
Shayna Crews, Bedford County Education Association, “A Charlie Brown Christmas Musical Performance”
Jennifer Diehl, Prince William Education Association, “Regulation Tools for Success”
Stephanie Harry, York Education Association, “Calculators in Chemistry”
Kristen Honeycutt, Bedford County Education Association, “Really Great Students Love Really Great Reading”
Megan Holt, Frederick County Education Association, “Using a Graphic Novel to Build Empathy and Integrity”
Meredith Kerr, Education Association of Suffolk, “Discovering Myself”
Jessica Kirkland, Loudoun Education Association, “Exploring Classic Literature Through Manga”
Jill Krause, Loudoun Education Association, “Recess Fun!”
Catherine Malley, Virginia Beach Education Association, “Pre-Reading Skills Tap Into the Sound of Music”
Patricia Morgan, Mathews County Education Association, “Learning Through Play (We Learn Through Play)”
Helen Pryor, Education Association of Norfolk, “Human Rights and Social Justice”
Elizabeth Rodriguez, Greene County Education Association, “Collaborative Student-Created Murals for School Cafeteria”
Joy Rottkamp, Roanoke County Education Association, “Global Scientists with Level Up Village”
Julie Sargent, Giles Education Association, “The Joy of Reading”
Heather Schweitzer, Virginia Beach Education Association, “Bringing Learning to Life in Many Ways!”
Edward Spruell, Roanoke County Education Association, “Forging Ahead: Implementing A Glow Forge Laser Printer in a High School Makerspace”
Anne Straume, Albemarle Education Association, “Where in the World Is That?”
Kelly Thrower, Waynesboro Education Association, “Daily Decodables = Ready Readers”
Amy Wade, Frederick County Education Association, “Empathy: A Life Skill”
Caroline Wittenberg, Frederick County Education Association, “Morning Tubs in Kindergarten”
The average pay of Virginia public school teachers in 2023-24 was $65,830. That is $4,260 below the national average of $70,090.
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