Pair of CCSD teachers win PSTA Classroom Grants

Charleston County School District teachers Jacqueline Clarke and Katharine Johnson have been selected as recipients of the 2024 Palmetto State Teachers Association Classroom Grant. This is the third year of the PSTA classroom grants created as part of the Reinvesting in Our Members program. The grants are awarded annually to encourage and support PSTA members as they serve students across South Carolina.

On August 15, 2024, PSTA Director of Teacher Leadership Craig King surprised both educators in person with the exciting news that their grants were chosen.

Clarke is a science teacher at Northwoods Middle School. This grant will purchase Generation Genius Science Software to support visual labs and inquiry-based learning. This experience is bi-fold, allowing the students to create life-size bubbles in different formats that students can both touch and manipulate sublimated matter in bubble form. Students will explore various innovative techniques to launch seeds to recreate a green space perimeter with native plants in the school community. This technique is being used in other nations as they also reforest their space.

Johnson is the teacher-librarian at Midland Park Primary School. This grant will be used to enhance library learning centers at her school. The grant will provide interactive and educational manipulatives that align with the South Carolina College and Career Ready Standards for Mathematics and Science. These resources, including literacy materials, will support young learners in developing crucial skills. Enriching the school’s library centers will build a foundation of knowledge and curiosity to serve Midland Park Primary students throughout their educational journey.

Palmetto State Teachers Association is the largest professional education association for teachers in South Carolina. PSTA provides professional benefits to support its members throughout their careers in education. More information can be found at www.palmetto teachers.org.