2022-2023 Hansen Inspired Teacher Grant Recipients

HANSEN INSPIRED TEACHER GRANTs

Hansen Inspired Teacher Grants are available to licensed staff wishing to pursue professional development enrichment opportunities that do not lead to a degree. Applications for a Hansen Grant may also include the cost of materials and resources necessary to bring the learning to fruition within the classroom. Hansen Grants are available thanks to a generous donation from MAEF board member Jim Hansen, a former teacher, and School Board Chair at Mahtomedi Public Schools.

O.H. Anderson Elementary School - Wellness

A Hansen Inspired-Teacher Grant was awarded to purchase five QBall microphones for a pilot program at O.H. Anderson Elementary School. A QBall is a soft, squishy, throwable microphone that engages and encourages the participation of all students. It is an action-oriented tool that helps to foster trust and collaborative relationships in the classroom while encouraging students to take risks and share their thinking, all while amplifying their voice.

Mahtomedi Middle School - Science

A Hansen Inspired-Teacher Grant was awarded to purchase six wireless document cameras for the middle school science classrooms. These cameras will allow instructors to meaningfully engage students and expand their curiosity by providing a flexible way to engage in scientific exploration. Students will be able to present their findings, ideas, graphs, or lab results in real-time to be explored by the larger group. As required by the Minnesota Science Standards, students will be able to practice skills such as asking questions, using and demonstrating models, planning and carrying out data, and constructing explanations.

Wildwood Elementary School - Literacy

Four teachers from Wildwood Elementary School will be attending the Plain Talk About Literacy and Learning Conference thanks to a Hansen Inspired-Teacher Grant. The conference provides an unparalleled opportunity to learn about the latest research, best practices, and policy initiatives related to literacy instruction and assessment. By attending sessions and workshops led by experts in the field of reading science, participants gain new knowledge and insights that will be applied to build a science-based system to ensure high literacy outcomes for all students.

Mahtomedi Middle School - Music Education

The music program at Mahtomedi Middle School received a Hansen Grant to purchase a classroom set of midi keyboards and music production equipment that can be used to create music recordings or podcasts in music classes or theater productions. The goal is to expose students to the tools used in the creation and production of music and sound in the entertainment industry.

Early Childhood – Social-Emotional Learning

A Hansen Grant was awarded to Early Childhood to help support two staff members to attend the Conscious Discipline Institute specifically designed for leaders. During this institute, staff will learn how to create an emotionally-safe school environment that fosters mental health and academic success for all stakeholders. This grant specifically supports Mahtomedi Public Schools strategic plan by understanding beliefs and values around “change is necessary for growth”. Not only does this program ensure the social and emotional well-being of each student with an emphasis on mental wellness, but it also promotes the well-being of staff members.

*A Hansen Grant was awarded in ‘21-’22 to help support Early Childhood staff to attend the Conscious Discipline Summer Institute to further their knowledge and expertise of Social Emotional Learning using Conscious Discipline within the early childhood programs and community.

Wildwood Elementary School – Special Education Grant

A Hansen Grant was awarded to a Wildwood special education teacher to help fund the purchase of virtual reality goggles to be used to teach students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Developmental Cognitive Delay (mild-moderate). The goggles will be integrated into lessons to expose students to experiences and places that they might not otherwise have the opportunity to access. Providing these experiences not only aids students in accessing more of the world they live in, but it helps boost essential reading components. In addition, exposing students to circumstances beyond that of their community directly correlates to Mahtomedi’s mission of fostering curious minds and creating environments that inspire curiosity.

Mahtomedi Middle School – Mental Health & Wellness

A Hansen Grant was awarded to help support a team of Mahtomedi Middle School staff members to attend the Character Strong National Conference. The middle school will be making a change in their social/emotional learning curriculum at the beginning of the ‘23-’24 school year to better fit the current needs of students. The new Character Strong program is a research-based curriculum that impacts engagement, belonging, and student well-being. This curriculum closely aligns with the belief statements and mission of the district. The Character Strong National Conference will include keynote speakers, role specific training for school staff, equipping staff with tools to implement school-wide culture building practices, and evidence-based habits that can improve school climate.