Orchard Drive Elementary Teacher Receives Grant from WGU Missouri

Kimber Parks, a third-grade teacher at Orchard Drive Elementary in Jackson, has received a $2,360 grant through WGU Missouri's “Fund My Classroom” initiative. The funds will enable Parks to create a multimedia classroom communication platform, or news channel, that her students will use to further build their communication and technology skills. Parks learned she was selected for the grant on May 10 when she was surprised with a check presentation at her school.

As a teacher, Parks focuses on helping her third-grade students sharpen their online typing skills and complete online projects. While her students are familiar with accessing technology, they primarily use it for consumption purposes rather than for creation. The WGU Missouri grant of $2,360 will be used to purchase items that will promote creativity in the classroom, including a Go Pro Camera with a memory card, a Smart TV with a wall mount, a green screen, and a MacBook. These resources will be used by students to create news scripts that impact their classroom, school and community on a weekly basis, while providing them with the opportunity to use their technology skills to further their education and prepare for possible future careers. This grant will empower students with tools for communication, allowing them to develop skills that will have an impact beyond the walls of their school.

The innovative classroom project is one of 43 across Missouri chosen by WGU Missouri to receive funding. The nonprofit, fully online university issued a call in early March for K-12 teachers across the state to nominate proposed classroom projects by April 14 for the opportunity to receive full or partial funding through its “Fund My Classroom” initiative. Parks’ proposal is one of nearly 200 nominations received statewide. Most grants were awarded during Teacher Appreciation Week, which ran from May 8-12.

To learn more, visit missouri.wgu.edu.

Kimber Parks, a third-grade teacher at Orchard Drive Elementary in Jackson, was surprised with a $2,360 grant by WGU Missouri Strategic Partnerships Manager Christy Seawall on May 10.

Kimber Parks, a third-grade teacher at Orchard Drive Elementary in Jackson, was surprised with a $2,360 grant by WGU Missouri Strategic Partnerships Manager Christy Seawall on May 10.