The Sioux Falls Public Schools Education Foundation announced a record number of First Time Teacher Grants during New Teacher Orientation at Jefferson High School on August 15, 2022. Educators from more than 30 schools in the Sioux Falls School District will each receive $200 to purchase supplies for their classrooms. The Education Foundation provides $100 for each grant, and the Mary Chilton Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution provides an additional $100.
First-time teachers often buy classroom materials using their own funds because they are not typically covered by school budgets. Educators have used grant funds to purchase sets of books, bulletin board materials, organization kits, art supplies, games, puzzles, posters, dry erase markers, extra school supplies for students, and more. Since the Education Foundation started the First Time Teacher Grant Program in 2011, they have awarded these grants to 884 teachers. The organization typically presents 75 teachers with the grants each fall, but this year, they have seen a substantial increase.
“One of our focus areas involves celebrating and showing appreciation for those who are working with students,” said Allison Struck, executive director of the Education Foundation. “New Teacher Orientation is a great opportunity to surprise educators with these awards, and it gives us a chance to welcome them to the district and to let them know we are grateful they have chosen to start their careers in Sioux Falls.”