HOUSTON, Texas (WSIL) -- Fund for Teachers announced its 2025 grant recipients, using $1.625 million to support 355 teachers in pursuing self-designed fellowships across 79 countries.
One of these recipients is April Bartnick of Murphysboro Middle School who was awarded a $5,000 grant to observe Costa Rican climate change mitigation strategies. A Fund for Teachers representative said this would create opportunities which emphasize our responsibility towards others and the environment.
Overall, the Maxwell/Hanrahan Foundation funded 62 of these grants, focusing on educators in rural or low-income areas with fellowships in field-based science, art and craft, teaching and protection of the natural world.
"Teachers are at the heart of shaping not only students' academic trajectories, but often their social and emotional well-being, as well," said Karen Eckhoff, Executive Director of Fund for Teachers. “Fund for Teachers believes this high calling merits validation and support, which we provide by funding fellowships that ultimately inspire teachers� enthusiasm for student engagement and extend their longevity in the profession.�
Maxwell/Hanrahan Executive Director Rachel Strader Chen emphasized the importance of supporting teachers' passions.Â
“When teachers pursue their own curiosity and passion, they feel appreciated and inspired,� Chen said. “We hope teachers draw from these experiences to further impact student learning and engagement in the world around them.�
Since 2001, Fund for Teachers has invested $39 million in 10,225 teachers across the United States, marking its 25th cohort of FFT Fellows.
