Local Educators Drawn for STCU Grant

Five local educators received grants from Spokane Teachers Credit Union (STCU) for their classrooms. Aimee Bergman, of Gess Elementary School in the Chewelah School District; Erika Simpson, of Valley School in the Valley School District; Marisa Burke, of Northport High School in the Northport School District; Rachel Maier, of Kettle Falls High School of the Kettle Falls School District; and Shelley Malone, Hofstet- ter Elementary School in the Colville School District each won a $200 grant, according to a May 12 announcement from STCU. Bergman, a reading and math intervention teacher, applied for the grant hoping that she could “spoil” her students. “I was so surprised when I got the news and immediately started planning,” stated Bergman. “My grant money will be spent on purchasing fun literary and math games.” Word-based games such as Boggle, Scategories, and Wordle enable students to practice reading and writing skills in an exciting and engaging manner, stated Bergman. She added, “These extra funds allow me to purchase new and quality materials instead of having to source from garage sales or make on my own. I am so grateful to STCU for the grant and for continuing to support educators across the region.” Burke, K-12 special education teacher, said she used the funds to purchase art supplies for her students. “My students thrive through art, using it to represent who they are, what they are feeling, and what they want to say to the world,” stated Burke. As soon as Burke found out that she had won the grant, she told her students, who didn’t know she had applied. She said they helped her make a list of supplies they wanted, including brushes, clay, markers, paint, scissors, and sketch pencils. “It was a great moment to see them so excited,” she stated. Later this month, Burke’s students will take a field trip to the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture in Spokane, she said. “When we come back, the students will be asked to create their own art piece that will be showcased to the rest of the school and staff in a mini art show,” stated Burke, who added that the art sup- plies purchased from the grant will help with this proj- ect. Many of her students are very artistic, stated Burke, and use art to communicate “when words may be difficult.” “One of the most rewarding parts of my job is finding ways to incorporate their talents and strengths into their learning, helping them build confidence while showing them that their abilities and creativity truly matter,” she stated. Simpson, Maier, and Malone did not respond to comment requests by press time. Established in 1934, STCU officials said the institution has awarded more than $300,000 to nearly 2,000 educators.