Past Winners
Innovation in Learning Environments Grant Winners
2021 Winners
The Kansas City Chapter is proud to announce the
winners of our fourth annual Innovation in Learning Environments Grant. The board reviewed
the applications anonymously, with all specific district and name information removed. The
submissions were all well thought out, wonderful ideas on how to impact learning for kids in
our area. It was a difficult decision, but the following four entries were selected as winners of
$2,000 each for 2021.
Focusing on the E – Adding Engineering Challenges to our STEM Makerspace
Engineering Essentials curricular components for 1st - 5th grade students to explore hands-on
engineering design challenges.
- Blue Valley School District, Timber Creek Elementary School
- Paula Naden, Librarian
RayPec Enterprise & Design
Flexible furniture to support integrated, problem-based learning opportunities where students
connect directly with business partners.
- Raymore Peculiar School District, Raymore Peculiar High School
- Kristel Barr, Director of Secondary Education
Eagle Eats and Embroidery
Focusing on practical learning like financial literacy, interpersonal skills, and problem solving
through real-world experiences in a hospitality focused, micro-school convenience store.
- Liberty School District, Liberty North High School
- Dr. Precious Kurth, Principal
Flexible Furniture for C.O.R.E
Supporting a micro-school concept to provide an alternate high school experience without the
stigma of being "alternative."
- Hickman Mills School District, Burke Academy
- Katie Roe, Executive Director of Secondary Schools
2020 Winners
The Kansas City Chapter is proud to announce the
winners of our third annual Innovation in Learning Environments Grant. The board reviewed
the applications anonymously, with all specific district and name information removed. The
submissions were all well thought out, wonderful ideas on how to impact learning for kids in
our area. It was a difficult decision, but the following four entries were selected as winners of
$2,000 each for 2020.
Recharge, Rejuvenate and Live Healthy in the Library
Helping students manage stress in an effective, appropriate way through space and programs.
- North Kansas City School District, Oak Park High School
- Angela Van Batavia, Librarian
Coding in Early Childhood Education
Introducing coding to early childhood grades with interactive, hands-on learning.
- Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph, Saint Elizabeth School
- Stephanie Moore, Instructional Technology Coach
Technical Math and Tools
Critical tools and resources to bring real-life math to students interested in technical, vocational
or trade schools.
- Lone Jack School District, Lone Jack High School
- Emily Smith, Math Teacher
Tech by Design
Enhancing the makerspace experience with technology and multi-media tools to showcase
innovative learning.
- Liberty School District, Heritage Middle School
- Preston Hickert, Middle School Teacher
2019 Winners
The Kansas City Chapter is proud to announce the
winners of our second annual Innovation in Learning Environments Grant. We received 55
applications from districts on both sides of the state line. The board reviewed the applications
anonymously, with all the specific district and name information removed. The submissions
were all well thought out, wonderful ideas on how to impact learning for kids in our area. It was
a difficult decision, but the following 4 entries were selected as winners of $2,000 each for
2019. These winners will share how their efforts created innovation in learning at an A4LE
event in 2020.
Professional Learning Cohorts
Implementation of EXPLORE Cohorts for 4th & 5th graders with a focus on (5) STEM fields that
connect learning to the community
- Blue Valley School District, Wolf Springs Elementary School
- Kaitlyn Haberberger, Blended Learning Coach
The Future is Bright in Buckner!
Media Center based robotics and green screen video program to support all students
- Fort Osage School District, Buckner Elementary School
- Margie Anderson, Library Media Specialist
Technology Innovation Studio
Multi-use technology space for one-to-one support, coding/VR, client conferencing and project
collaboration
- Platte County School District, Platte County High School
- Sarah Larson, Technology Teacher
2018 Winners
The Kansas City Chapter is proud to announce the
winners of our first annual Innovation in Learning Environments Grant. We received 46
applicants from 14 school districts on both sides of the state line. The board reviewed the
applications anonymously, with all the specific district and name information removed. The
submissions were all well thought out, wonderful ideas on how to impact learning for kids in
our area. It was a difficult decision, but the following 4 entries were selected as winners of
$1,500 each for 2018.
Mission: Student Centered Active Learning Spaces
Flexible furniture and equipment for learning
- Kansas City KS Public Schools, New Chelsea Elementary
- Monique McDaniel, 3rd Grade
Library Innovation Studio
Reimagining library space with stop motion kits, lighting and audio resources
- Park Hill School District, Congress Middle School
- Keri Holt, Library Media Specialist
The Investigator’s Makerspace Classroom
Maker space equipment and furniture
- Grain Valley School District, Prairie Branch Elementary School
- Crystal Woodin, KG teacher & Maker space club leader
Tower Garden System
Vertical, aeroponic garden system for science & math
- Blue Valley School District, Blue River Elementary School
- Anne Sobba, 5th Grade teacher