The Kloiber Foundation

Teacher Outreach Program 2018-19

The Kloiber Foundation is dedicated to helping teachers create the best learning environments for children. We know that without the necessary resources, teachers are limited in what they can do on a daily basis.

In 2018, we began a new initiative called the Teacher Outreach Program, where teachers could apply for classroom grants based on their specific needs. We know there are schools with budgets that have no space for school supplies, or even Specials classes who rely solely upon grants to fund their classrooms. These are the classrooms with the greatest need, and we were thrilled to help.

Students using Lego Simple Machines to build a pulley

In our inaugural year, we worked with 5 schools and donated over $18,000 dollars across 43 classrooms. Some teachers needed basic supplies, like social emotional learning books and sports equipment for P.E., while others used the opportunity to implement new ideas into their classrooms or help build science gardens. One of the STEM teachers who applied requested Lego Simple Machines, which are designed for the classroom and come with a number of hands-on lessons. We went to her classroom to see them in action, and were impressed with how much the kids responded to being able to both build their own pulley system and see how it worked first hand. A few other teachers used the opportunity to obtain alternative seating options for their classroom, such as wobble stools, scoop chairs, and wobble cushions. They have noticed a drop in classroom disruptions and behavioral referrals overall, as they are able to redirect their energy into the seating. Students also tend to be on their best behavior to earn the privilege of sitting in the alternative seats.

Some teachers needed basic supplies, like social emotional learning books and sports equipment for P.E., while others used the opportunity to implement new ideas into their classrooms or help build science gardens.

In almost every case, the teachers would not have had the opportunity to use these innovative items, or would have had to use their personal funds to obtain them. We love rewarding teachers who think outside the box, and the TOP has given us a new opportunity to do just that. We look forward to seeing the proposals that come in during the 2019-20 school year!

Students sitting on wobble stools