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NWPE Member Karen Garner Awarded $500 Grant
posted by: Cindy Omlin | December 01, 2015, 05:18 PM   

 

Congratulations to Ms. Karen Garner, a first/second grade teacher at Idaho Arts Charter School, in Nampa, ID, who was awarded a $500 Classroom Grant from NWPE.  Brenda Miller, NWPE regional director, presented the award at a school staff meeting. 

karen garnerMs. Garner’s grant will fund purchase of math manipulatives to teach Eureka Math, an innovative curriculum connecting math to the real world in ways that take the fear out of math while building student confidence.  Eureka Math is designed to help students achieve a true understanding of the mathematical process. 

“A good foundation in mathematics is vital to our students’ success in school and in the 21st century” notes Ms. Garner.  “Although the written curriculum is free to be printed by classroom teachers, the manipulatives used in the program have to be purchased by those who choose to use it. This grant will provide the needed manipulatives to successfully implement the Eureka Math program.” 

There are five classes of 1st/2nd graders learning Eureka math at Idaho Arts Charter School. Since the program uses hands-on materials to reduce gaps in student learning and to encourage problem solving, Ms. Garner notes that sharing the materials will be critical to the success of the students in all of the classrooms.  To that end, the materials will be stored in a convenient location where each teacher can get the materials needed for student participation. 

NWPE appreciates Ms. Garner’s dedication to raising professionalism among educators. “I am a strong believer in quality professional development for teachers. Research in education is continually advancing; however, many teachers are slow to learn of these new developments. Advancements in curricula and teaching methods should be shared with all teachers—not just those lucky enough to work for schools with healthy budgets. During my career, I have worked for schools in rural areas and schools with severe budget cuts. These districts struggled to provide teachers with valuable professional development, and teachers often lacked the skill level that they needed to be successful. I think if all teachers could stay informed of the current teaching innovations and be coached in these methods, the professionalism of the career would be enhanced and well–deserved respect would follow.” 

A recent member of NWPE, Ms. Garner says that she joined the organization because she believes that students benefit when teachers connect and support one another. “It is important that educators are given a choice of professional organizations. I personally like having my own voice heard when I have an opinion on an issue rather than having to let the union speak on my behalf. I also appreciate the fact that NWPE offers liability insurance, publications and a professional network for such a low monthly cost.” 

Congratulations again to Karen Garner!  NWPE is proud to reward her for her hard work and creativity in the classroom!

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