Retired Teachers Give $9K to Fund Creative Classrooms
Retired teachers in Dearborn County just handed out nearly $10,000 to fund creative classroom projects like sensory corners, cooking schools, and STEM learning centers. Since 2008, they've given more than $75,000 to support teachers with projects their schools can't fund.
Fifteen teachers across Dearborn County walked into the new school year with $9,190 in grants to bring their most creative classroom ideas to life. The money came from retired teachers who haven't forgotten what it's like to dream big on a small budget.
The Dearborn County Retired Teachers Foundation handed out the grants at their annual awards dinner on August 18th at Greendale Middle School. Teachers from nine different schools received funding for projects that go beyond standard curriculum.
Some teachers are building sensory corners for students who need calming spaces. Others are creating cooking schools, printmaking stations, and pop-up shops that reward positive behavior. One school is getting a STEM learning center to spark curiosity in science and technology.
The foundation started small in 2008 with just one $500 grant to a single teacher. Director Christelle Middendorf and her board of retired teachers have grown it into something much bigger.
The Ripple Effect
Since that first grant 18 years ago, the foundation has awarded more than 100 grants totaling $75,000. The money doesn't just fund teachers anymore. Librarians, paraprofessionals, and school nurses can also apply for grants to support students in ways their schools can't afford.
The foundation runs on donations from local businesses and community groups. Greg Horn of Horn Wealth Management has been such a loyal supporter that the foundation honored him with their Legacy Award at this year's dinner. He even provided dinner for all the attendees.
Every classroom teacher in any accredited Dearborn County school can apply for these grants each year. The foundation looks for projects that are new, creative, and innovative, filling gaps that traditional school budgets leave behind.
Local businesses like Civista Charitable Foundation, Knights of Columbus, Los Primos Mexican Restaurant, and Valley Rural Utility Company help keep the grants flowing. Anonymous donors chip in too.
These retired teachers know that creative classrooms need more than textbooks and desks, and they're putting their money where their hearts are.
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This story was written by BrightWire based on verified news reports.
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