Over the last few months, the City of Fishers has awarded over $80k in funding to 10 local Hamilton Southeastern Schools teachers. This is part of the new Educator Innovation Grant program, which launched this year with $500,000 allocated in grant funding from the City’s 2024 budget. The program is designed to encourage educators to bring innovation to the classroom and inspire students to rethink learning. This grant funding will allow professional development, classroom improvement, and inspire both students and educators.
“It’s vital that we invest in our schools and empower our teachers with the tools to foster curiosity through hands-on learning. This program celebrates the creativity and commitment of our educators and the spirit of innovation that makes Fishers unique,” Said Mayor Scott Fadness.
Congratulations to the 2024 Grant Winners!
Jennifer Harmon, Geist Elementary 2nd Grade Teacher
Harmon received $6,300 to implement a computer science and coding program titled Vex Robotics. Students will learn algorithms, loops, engineering, problem-solving, design thinking and more. She believes providing Geist Elementary students with foundational STEM skills for higher grade levels is important and hopes to build the program until Geist Elementary has a strong coding program.
Lisa Harvey, Fishers Elementary 3rd Grade Teacher
Harvey plans to implement the LEGO Education SPIKE Program with her $4,500 grant. This experimental learning allows students to conduct hands-on investigations of STEM concepts. These lessons connect to real-world STEM careers and inspire students to explore future careers in STEM.
Ashley Eaton, Southeastern Elementary 4th Grade Teacher
Harmon received $6,300 to implement a computer science and coding program titled Vex Robotics. Students will learn algorithms, loops, engineering, problem-solving, design thinking and more. She believes providing Geist Elementary students with foundational STEM skills for higher grade levels is important and hopes to build the program until Geist Elementary has a strong coding program.
Robyn Stout, Sand Creek Intermediate 5th Grade Teacher
With the $3,600 grant, Stout hopes to expand the school’s STEM lab and robotics program. She plans to get pneumatics kits to provide students with real-life applications as to how robots play a part in automating jobs in various industries. Pneumatics kits will teach kids about the branch of engineering that uses pressurized air for systems like paint sprayers or rock drills. Through this STEM Lab, students will simulate jobs that occur in real-world manufacturing plants. Prior to launching the project, Stout will partner with local industry leaders to get a “10,000-foot view” of what pneumatics look like from an industry standpoint.
John Hochstetler, Riverside Intermediate 5th Grade Teacher
Hochstetler received $35,000 to modernize the school’s makerspace, in an effort to better support the STEM program. This program centers upon environment, agriculture and engineering. Along with makerspace renovations, the grant will also fund professional development for educators within the space, teaching them to adapt curriculum and utilize the new equipment for project-based activities to ensure longevity of the makerspace and STEM curriculum at Riverside Intermediate.
Jennifer Suskovich, Fishers Maker Playground Teacher-In-Residence
In an effort to enhance science education for fifth grade students around the district, Suskovich will purchase two 3D printers for the Fishers Maker Playground with the $6,000 grant. The Maker Playground 5th Grade Study Trip at Hub & Spoke provides hands on STEM activities for students. The investment in 3D printers will impact students’ creativity, problem solving, technology literacy skills and prepare students for STEM related careers.
Heather Butz, Fishers Junior High School 8th Grade Teacher
Butz was awarded $600 to attend 1st Amendment Professional Development at the Constitutional Center in Philadelphia. Butz anticipates this will help her better prepare students for We the People competitions and continue to deliver strong performances nationally.
Anthony Sturgeon & Kevin Stumpf, Fishers Junior High School 7th Grade Teachers
Leading civic education and the We the People team at Fishers Junior High, the $1,500 grant will allow for professional development at the Library of Congress on implementing Primary Sources in the classroom. HSE Schools has historically put forth strong performances at We the People competitions nationally – both at junior high and high school levels. This opportunity will allow Sturgeon and Stumpf to better prepare students for We the People in junior high as they progress to high school.
Becky Schroeder, HSE High School 11th Grade Teacher
Schroeder received $22,000 for a pilot program to bring virtual reality to high school students. This immersive virtual reality platform will allow students to experience a wide range of educational content in an engaging and interactive way. Students can explore historical sites, scientific concepts, and cultural landmarks from around the world in a controlled environment. Schroeder says, “By using VR technology, we can transport our students beyond the walls of our classrooms and provide them with meaningful, real-world experiences.”
HSE Schools Educators- Apply for the Grant!
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and there is no funding cap on project requests. Grants are awarded by a selection committee comprised of educators, community entrepreneurs, and HSE alumni. Learn more details and apply at FishersIN.gov/Grants.
