Several years ago, Homer experienced the death of several well-loved teachers prompting some community members to look for a way for people to make a meaningful contribution to a fund in their honor. This started the seed of what is becoming The Educators Professional Development Fund, an endowment to benefit local K-12 teachers with opportunities for professional development.
Working with a group of teachers and administrators, and initially guided by the Homer Foundation’s Development Committee, brainstorming meetings took place over the last couple of years. Valuable insight was given by a cross section of teachers from Homer and the surrounding area. The need for support for teachers was made very clear. A smaller steering committee developed the criteria for applying for a grant through the fund and the fundraising began.
Providing several lunches for donors and teachers, more great conversations were started and to date 17 people have contributed over $5000.00. We need to reach the goal of $10,000.00 by 2017 to complete the fund. Our fundraising efforts have concentrated on suggesting donors give $250.00 each. We have had several very generous donations above that amount and welcome any contribution to get this endeavor off the ground. We are more than halfway there!
We are posting this information here on our website and Facebook page to help spread the word. As we talk to community members, many still do not know about this exciting opportunity to contribute to such a worthwhile fund and help a local teacher each year. If you are currently a teacher, are a retired teacher or know and love a teacher, we would like to ask for your help specifically and ask you help us let the community know about this valuable project.
If you would like to make a contribution, please call Joy at the Homer Foundation office 235-0541 or send an email to jsteward@homerfoundation.org and she can facilitate your donation.
Polly Prindle-Hess, Homer Foundation board member and supporter of the new Educator’s Fund for Professional Development