Innovating is more than a Canyons District tenet, it’s in our DNA. Canyons teachers are innovative in their classrooms every day and are constantly working to find new ways to help their students learn and grow. It’s for those ideas the Canyons Education Foundation rewards teachers — and benefits students — through Innovation Grants.
Innovation Grants can be awarded for $1,000 to $10,000 and directly impact the classroom. This year’s winning projects run the gambit, from laser engraving technology for students at the Life Skills Academy to baby chicks joining classrooms at Crescent Elementary. It’s exemplified by the adaptive communication tools at Copperview Elementary and a two-day experience with a renowned author at Albion Middle School.
“I felt like we gave back to a broad range of ideas this year,” says Denise Haycock, the Foundation’s Development Officer. “We were able to give about $90,000 in Innovation Grants this year and all of that money was raised at the Mont L. Millerberg Golf Tournament just two months ago.”
A panel of Foundation board members pour over dozens of grant proposals to choose which ones will be the winner.
“Being part of the Canyons Education Foundation has been a game changer in my life,” says Fred Lowry, President of the Foundation board. “It has opened the door for me to see a different perspective of what happens in the classroom and to see the dedication of amazing teachers and counselors who have shown me the amazing students in our District who are achieving great success as they overcome daunting challenges.”
One of the winning grants this year was put forward by Albion Middle teachers Stephanie Nasser and Stephanie Kourianos, who plan to bring in renowned author Daniel Nayeri for two days of immersive learning with the entire school about his book, “The Many Assassinations of Samir, the Seller of Dreams.”
“It just ticked all the boxes and we’re really excited to fund something a little more unique,” says Haycock. “The teachers get so excited, it’s like you’ve presented them with a big check from the Publisher’s Clearing House. It means so much to them to know that their ideas are being recognized and then to have the teacher explain to students that it’s for them and to see their faces light up.”
Nasser has been teaching for more than 30 years and was honored as Albion’s 2023 Teacher of Year, but she says receiving the Innovation Grant left her speechless and in awe. “The Foundation was so generous,” she says, “It’s overwhelming to know people outside of your department, school board members, and the community members who sit on the Foundation board are so supportive about what we do. That is absolutely, hands down, probably the biggest vote of confidence a teacher can get is to know they believe in what we’re trying to do.”
This year, the Foundation funded 18 projects at 14 schools. Most of the grants were awarded in a single day and presented by members of the Foundation board, the Canyons Board of Education, and Canyons Superintendent Dr. Rick Robins who ride a bus across the district to deliver them.
“I think more teachers need to trust that what they do is worthwhile and that their hearts are for the kids and should go for grant money,” says Nasser. “You just need to believe in yourself enough to put yourself out there and take the risk. What’s the worst thing that happened? It makes you believe in the process and believe in the kindness of humanity.”
To learn more about innovation grants and other resources available, visit the Canyons Education Foundation website.
