U-46 Educational Foundation encourages families to honor teachers this spring

In recognition of Teacher Appreciation Week May 2-8, the U-46 Educational Foundation invites families to honor Elgin Area School District U-46 teachers making a difference in the lives of their students.

Through an online campaign, the foundation, a charitable nonprofit 501(c)3 dedicated solely to supporting U-46 students, teachers and schools, aims to celebrate U-46 teachers who continue to impact students amid the past year's challenging circumstances.

Funds raised through this campaign will go back to teachers via innovation grants for the upcoming 2021-22 school year.

Parents will have the opportunity to customize a card with a personalized message that will be sent to teachers.

Attached to the card will be a #ThankATeacher pin for the teacher to wear on their lanyard. In addition, donors may share with us their thoughts on what makes their honoree special, and we will share those stories online during Teacher Appreciation Week.

"We are honored to help recognize the impact and resilience of U-46 teachers during this difficult year," said Foundation President E.C. "Bud" Wilson. "This campaign gives the foundation the opportunity to shine a spotlight on our many teachers that are making a difference in the lives of students, while also raising funds for grants that will support teachers' innovative ideas and projects for next year. It's a win-win."

Parents are encouraged to complete their tribute with a monetary gift to the foundation in honor of the teacher.

Donations made during the Teacher Appreciation Campaign will benefit the foundation's teacher grant program for the 2021-22 school year. These grants allow teachers to fund innovative projects for their classroom.

Established more than a decade ago, the U-46 Educational Foundation expands opportunities for U-46 students beyond what is possible with tax dollars.

During the 2020-21 school year, the foundation awarded 23 grants to U-46 teachers and staff totaling more than $21,000.

Grants paid for projects such as assistive devices for students with physical challenges, crayons and books to promote cultural awareness and acceptance among our preschool students, sensory equipment to promote self-regulation for students on the autism spectrum, an after-school STEAM club, a Little Free Library, and more.