For Immediate Release
Central Illinois Rural Teacher Corps grants announced
(EFFINGHAM, Illinois – April 8, 2022) Southeastern Illinois Community Foundation is pleased to announce that five area new teachers have been named recipients of the 2022 Central Illinois Rural Teacher Corps spring grant program: McKenzie Vilardo of Charleston High School, Jo Lynn Garrett of Patoka School, Megan Yager of Red Hill Junior/Senior High School, Kody Czerwonka of Buckeye Friends School, and Amanda Evinger of the Sumner Attendance Center. Grants are awarded to new teachers in our region.
McKenzie Vilardo of Charleston High School received $200 for “Alternative Seating.”
McKenzie stated, “Many of my students benefit from alternative seating arrangements. I have already had success with having a few yoga balls in my room. Several of my students are able to better focus on their schoolwork, and still be able to sit or bounce on a ball. I also have many students that prefer to sit by a wall on the floor, or in a corner away from other students. This has also helped them focus, and I have many more students finish and turn in work and projects from offering these. I would like to continue to offer them and provide more students with alternative seating arrangements.” (See photo above)
Jo Lynn Garrett of Patoka School received $200 for “Hands on Activities for Math.”
Jo Lynn explains, “Since March of 2020, students and teachers have dealt with an unprecedented time in education. The objective of these math activities is for students to transition back into the classroom with hands-on, group-centered, real-world problems. I want to help all students see that learning can be fun! “Hands on Activities for Math” includes a bundle of engaging and challenging high school geometry activities, inquiry lessons, games, projects, and card sorts. The resources are based on Common Core Standards for high school geometry. There is a total of 81 activities to engage students with a hands-on experience for geometry but can be used in Algebra classes too.”
Jo Lynn Garrett and David Radmacher, Superintendent pictured. Photo submitted by SICF.
Megan Yager of Red Hill Junior/Senior High School received $200 for “Dissection Introduction.”
Megan explained, “Pairing virtual dissections with a demonstration of a real dissection will engage students where they feel comfortable with the topic. This approach will make the most use of the materials and allow the students the most versatility in their decisions about dissection. As 8th graders, they will make choices about which high school science classes to take next year. This is a big decision for many of them because it will have an impact on their future college and career decisions. Having an introduction to this facet of life science will give them a broader view of what the sciences are and will help them make a more informed decision about which courses they should take during high school and beyond. Using the simulated dissections packets will allow me to continue to use this material for 8th graders in many years to come rather than just benefiting one group of students.” Pictured L. to R. Clarence Gross Principal, Megan Yager, and Kacey Strange Assistant Principal
Pictured L. to R. Clarence Gross Principal, Megan Yager, and Kacey Strange Assistant Principal. Photo submitted by SICF.
Kody Czerwonka of Buckeye Friends School received $200 for “Art for Change.”
Kody states, “For this project, my students will create paintings, drawings, models, or whatever their artistic minds desire that they will themselves sell online and in person. Each student will choose a charity or an organization with a mission that the individual student is passionate about. Whatever proceeds the students receive from their art they will donate to their chosen charity or organization. This will motivate students because they each love art, and they have their own niches to play on. This project will give them the liberty and freedom to create whatever they want, and they will be engaged because Buckeye students like to give back. It is a part of the culture instilled at Buckeye, and it runs through the students’ veins. The kids will be ecstatic about creating art for a good cause. This project will help develop business skills as the student’s learn how to navigate selling their art, and it will further enhance their socio-emotional learning by forcing them to look into charitable organizations with missions that they care about.”
Pictured from L. to R. are: Kristen Bertrand, SICF Program Officer, Kody Czerwonka, and Carrie Huff, Head Co-Learner. Photo submitted by SICF
Amanda Evinger of Sumner Attendance Center received $200 for “Drumsticks: They’re Not Finger Lickin’ Good.”
Amanda states, “My goal for this project is to allow 4th graders to join the 5th and 6th graders in their annual holiday concert by bucket drumming. Being a part of a concert with the other students in their school will motivate them to work hard to learn the music. The community, including their families, will also be there to see the concert which is another motivator. To prepare for the concerts, they will be learning new terms and concepts in class that they will need. This is something that 4th graders will enjoy which will help with behavior and attitudes in class. The students will enjoy playing at the concert which can, in turn, help them decide if they want to pursue band or choir in 5th grade.” Pictured are: Todd Tiffany, Principal and Amanda Evinger.
Pictured are: Todd Tiffany, Principal and Amanda Evinger. Photo submitted by SICF.
The Central Illinois Rural Teacher Corps fund of Southeastern Illinois Community Foundation is committed to supporting new teachers in our region. For more information, please contact Alex Pleasant, alex@enrichingourcommunity.org or call 217-342-4988
