Brittany Kelley
WIMBERLEY— The Wimberley ISD Board of Trustees recognized the Wimberley Education Foundation (WEF) and discussed the district’s newest teacher education program at the Oct. 19 meeting.
WEF is a nonprofit created in 2006 to provide support for creativity in Wimberley ISD educators through funding innovative programs, projects and learning experiences. Most recently, the organization hosted a fundraiser to give grants to teachers across the district, said Superintendent Dr. Greg Bonewald. There were 41 grant submissions received and over the next few weeks, several instructors will be selected.
“Imagine a classroom where teachers aren't restricted by a traditional budget, where a great idea can quickly become a hands-on learning experience for students. Over the past two decades, that's exactly what the education foundation has done by turning innovative ideas into real-life experiences in our classrooms,” said Bonewald. “Through WEF's mission, the generosity of our community is connected with the creativity of our local educators through their innovative teaching grants; WEF empowers teachers to dream bigger, providing funding for unique programs and projects that the standard school budget just can't cover.”
The nonprofit has provided more than $500,000 in innovative grants across 411 classroom projects since its inception.
Then, Bonewald stated that each of the members of WEF would receive a token for the district’s appreciation.
Next, Assistant Superintendent Michelle Turek and director of Human Resources Jennifer Cooper presented The Blueprint: Texan Leadership Academy.
“We have some incredibly talented individuals throughout our district, people who are already leading in classrooms, departments and campuses each and every single day. The Blueprint is about recognizing their potential, creating opportunities for growth and being super intentional about developing leadership from within our very own district,” explained Turek.
The program is directly aligned with the district’s Strategic Plan by supporting faculty and staff excellence, as well as continuous development and training.
The inaugural cohort will have 13 members, each of whom completed an application process that included reflection on leadership interest and goals, a supervisor recommendation and an interview component. Those participating include:
Leslie Campbell — Jacob’s Well Elementary School
Jennifer Carver — Jacob’s Well Elementary School
Misty Fletcher-Remmers — Wimberley High School
Brenton Galley — Jacob’s Well Elementary School
Cheyenne Gold — Wimberley High School
Gabrielle Goodman — Special Education Department
Melissa Ivicic — Jacob’s Well Elementary School
Quinn Watson Morris — Disciplinary Alternative Education Program
Cade Pharis — Wimberley High School
Amber Wakem Poole — Wimberley High School
Elizabeth Riley — Special Education Department
Tonya Rosborough — Jacob’s Well Elementary School
Laquita Sellers — Wimberley High School
Beginning Oct. 26, said Cooper, the members will engage in several learning experiences designed to give them a broader understanding of the district by learning directly from leaders, exploring the school system and board governance and more.
“These individuals represent different roles, different experiences throughout the district, but they share something very important — that willingness to want to learn and a desire to grow here within each and every one of our campuses and in all of our departments, which is very special,” said Turek.
The Wimberley ISD Board of Trustees will meet next Monday, Nov. 16.
