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Teacher wins CapEd grant
Katie Crawford wants her students to become passionate readers. Last week, the second grade teacher at West Elementary School received nearly $570 to help her continue that goal.
During a ceremony April 22, Crawford received a teacher grant from the Idaho CapEd Foundation to support an in-class reading program she created.
Crawford, who is finishing her third year teaching at West Elementary, started the initiative five years ago when she was still a student instructor.
"The program is offered to every student in my classroom -- whether they receive general education, special education or ELL (English Language Learners) instruction," Crawford said. "The books offered in this program cover a variety of genres, topics and content areas, including science, history, health, hobbies, mathematics and, of course, literature."
Those enrolled in the program receive their first book in the mail starting in early June. Once they finish a book, the students send their teacher a pre-stamped postcard, which requires these youngsters to answer some basic questions about what they read.
When she receives these postcards, Crawford and her team of parent volunteers send additional books to each child. As a bonus, her students get to keep the books they read, which allows them to share them with their family and friends.
Crawford, whose mother served as a teacher for more than 20 years, understands the challenges these students face and what they need to succeed. Among those challenges were encouraging children to keep reading once school lets out for the summer.
Students make so much progress during the school year, "but once May 21 rolls around, they lose all that momentum," she said.
Interest in the reading program continues to jump each year. When it began, Crawford had just two children enrolled. Last year, that number stood at 21 as word of mouth spread.
Over the years, Crawford used money out of her own pocket to pay for the books and mailing costs. As demand grew, she had to find new ways to meet the needs of her students. It meant going around town scrounging through discount bins and garage sales to find lightly used paperbacks geared for these youngsters.
She also credits the efforts of parents, who help her keep the program going. One parent brought in a box of used books while others volunteer their time to send books to students throughout the summer.
The CapEd grant will not only allow Crawford to cover the postage expenses and mailing supplies, that money will allow her students to receive shiny, brand new books, "which are the best ones to receive," she said.
It's important for children to continue reading throughout the summer, and programs like this are excellent ways to make that happen, according to Crawford. She expects her students will not only keep their minds sharp over the summer but develop a passion for reading that lasts a lifetime.
To a point, it also allows her to stay in touch with her students and their families through the summer.
"You spend nine months with these kids every day, and it's tough saying goodbye," she said.
Crawford also hopes the tradition she started will live on through her students.
"I hope they remember the books and stories and continue to pass them along to their own children some day," she said