The Sioux Falls Public Schools Education Foundation is thrilled to announce that 61 first-time teachers in the Sioux Falls School District each received $200 to buy materials to equip their classrooms. A majority of these educators received the good news during New Teacher Orientation at Lincoln High School in mid-August. Due to fluctuating enrollment, however, the district hired additional teachers, and the Foundation awarded another 11 grants.

When the Foundation started this program, it was able to provide $100 per teacher. In the fall of 2017, thanks to a generous donation from the Mary Chilton Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Foundation, the SFPSEF was able to double the grant from $100 to $200 per teacher. Last year, the Foundation awarded 53 of these grants, and the year before, there were 72 first-time teachers.  

 “We know that there are start-up costs in the classroom, and we want to give educators the tools they need to be successful, something that’s especially important when teachers are just starting their careers,” said Allison Struck, executive director. “Teachers have used the funds to purchase bulletin board materials, games, puzzles, books, art supplies, flexible seating options, and organization tools for their students.”