The Bonnie McBeth Early Learning Grant

Overview

The Bonnie McBeth Early Learning Grant will award up to $2,500 to current preschool teacher(s) to help pay for any program designed to improve the teacher’s classroom knowledge and/or teaching skills.

This can include graduate work, workshops, professional development graining, internships,
observational trips, etc., subject to the Grant committee’s approval.

The Committee may choose to award one grant or several at its discretion. Building-level programs/initiatives/resources may also qualify for a grant.

The grant can be used any time during the current fiscal year. (The grant may also be used as reimbursement for expenses already incurred, with proof of enrollment and payment to an approved program).

 

Deadline

Apply by 5 p.m. September 22, 2023.

Please complete the application form on the District 202 intranet. 

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Award

The Bonnie McBeth Early Learning Grant will award up to $2,500 to current preschool teacher(s) to help pay for any program designed to improve the teacher’s classroom knowledge and/or teaching skills.

 

Background

Bonnie McBeth became District 202’s first kindergarten teacher in 1951. After teaching kindergarten for many years, Mrs. McBeth worked as a reading specialist and then became one of the district’s first Reading Recovery teachers. During her 38 year career, she taught students, mentored colleagues and shared innovative ideas. Volunteering and helping others through community service were hallmarks of her life in Plainfield.

Mrs. McBeth retired in 1994. In 2001, the district named its preschool/early childhood facility in her honor. In 2007, she endowed a monetary gift for the purpose of helping early childhood educators obtain additional training and access to best practice learning experiences.

Mrs. McBeth passed away in February of 2014 but her legacy lives on. The resources she so generously provided continue to impact and influence excellence in early childhood education. The Bonnie McBeth Early Learning Grant honors her memory and celebrates her love of learning.