Creating an egg drop STEAM challenge, developing multi-cultural art & reading curricula, organizing a Girl Boss young entrepreneur program, and creating a multi-disciplinary nature journaling project are just a few of the teacher dream projects funded by North Island Credit Union through its Spring 2022 Teacher Grant program.

Millennial Tech Middle School Teacher Sarah Hillard (center) and the Girl Boss Club girls receive a teacher grant from North Island Credit Union Sr. School and Community Development Officer Nancy Banuelos. This group of young entrepreneurs is taking over their middle school by creating and selling their own goods, including dog bandanas, aprons, earrings, cellphone accessories and more.

As part of its commitment to help educators create innovative learning opportunities for their students, the credit union has provided 10 grants of $500each to underwrite class projects in San Diego County. The credit union grants will fund a diverse range of programs illustrating the creativity and commitment teachers bring to their classrooms and communities.

The Spring 2022 North Island Credit Union Teacher Grant recipients include teachers across San Diego County:

North Island Credit Union

Grant Recipient

School

City

Christine Cecil

Fulton K-8 School

San Diego

Caitlin Cradic

Rancho Elementary School

Spring Valley

Amy Cutchin

San Pasqual Elementary School

Escondido

Bita Farid-Mohebati

Valley Center Middle School

Valley Center

Carla Hancock

Aseltine School

San Diego

Sarah Hillard

Millennial Tech Middle School

San Diego

Lora Josic

Classical Academy

Vista

Rosanne Nightingale

Coastal Academy

Oceanside

Christiane Noirez-Tingley

Curie Elementary School

San Diego

Heather Wolzen

Magnolia Elementary School

El Cajon

"The creativity and passion of these grant programs inspire all of us. We congratulate each of these educators who are so committed to finding new ways to excite, support, and connect with their students," said North Island Credit Union CEO Steve O'Connell. "After 90 years of supporting the education community, we never fail to be amazed at the dedication our teachers bring to their students, and wish all of them success in bringing these projects to life."

Photos of all North Island Credit Union Teacher Grant recipients can be found here.

Since the creation of the program in 2012, the credit union has awarded $155,000 in teacher grants to support innovative learning projects. Up to 20 grants are awarded bi-annually in the spring and fall. Any full-time classroom teacher in San Diego, Los Angeles, Orange, and Riverside County can apply for a grant for a program that has clearly defined learning objectives tied to students' academic needs, displays creativity in education, and targets a significant number of students.