Aug. 19, 2021 – The SAISD Foundation today kicked off surprise announcements of more than $100,000 in innovative grant awards to educators in San Antonio ISD. Two teachers at Lanier High School were the first of 25 applicants to receive the news of their innovative grant awards. Their grants made up $7,308, of the $102,425 to be distributed over the next two weeks. 

The grants help teachers take their instruction to the next level, said Judy Geelhoed, executive director of the SAISD Foundation. She says investing directly in teachers and District employees is one of the best ways to improve student learning.

“Teachers come to the classroom already prepared with various resources on hand,” Geelhoed said. “But what we try to do is add value to the knowledge and tools they bring to student learning. We hope that our grants inspire creativity, learning and passion!” 

Today, George Trevino, career and technology teacher, received a $4,044 grant to fund a virtual and augmented reality project in the construction program at Lanier. Students will learn building information modeling, or BIM, and how it fits into the overall construction process, helping ensure safety, improving productivity, and allowing a clear view of designs and construction sites before building projects begin. Exposing students to this software technology will help them understand construction management concepts in real time. 

Juan Morales, automotive tech master teacher, was awarded $3,263 to fund drones to help his students build geometry skills and concepts that are needed in the automotive industry. Using the drones, students will now have the capability to track a vehicle’s toe-out turns (adjustments of tires, suspension and steering on a vehicle) and verify the exact measurements needed from a bird’s eye perspective. 

“These investments provide resources to expand and enrich the academic environment to give students powerful learning experiences that will impact their overall achievement and success,” said Geelhoed. 

The 23 additional grants will continue to be awarded to teachers in surprise announcements. Projects range from outdoor classrooms to indoor makerspaces, and from equipment to streaming student theater productions for offsite viewers.  

Teachers who wish to apply for future SAISD Foundation grants may do so by visiting the Foundation's website at www.saisdfoundation.com/apply-for-grants.