U.S. schools are working tirelessly to regain ground following the hardships of the COVID-19 pandemic:
- The typical American student lost several months’ worth of learning in language arts and more in mathematics.¹
- Forty-four percent of public schools reported having at least one teaching vacancy as of January 2022.²
These challenges can often be heightened in rural regions where isolation, socio-economic issues, and less per-pupil funding can create resource gaps that affect teachers’ ability to deliver quality education in their classrooms.
TeachUNITED remains steadfast in our support of rural educators. And thanks to continued, multi-year support from All Points North Foundation, our shared vision of successful, empowered teachers in every classroom, everywhere just took another huge step forward!
TeachUNITED is working side-by-side with middle school educators in four different states this school year thanks to All Points North Foundation funding. Rural schools in Colorado, New Hampshire, Mississippi, and Missouri will be implementing job-embedded instructional coaching and professional learning networks. These educators will focus on strategies that help them feel more motivated, engaged, and connected to their peers and students.
“Rural teachers and administrators are expected to do so much, often with fewer resources (time, money, people). TeachUNITED exists to help fill those resource gaps, not be “one more thing” for busy educators. We work as an extension of our partner school staff, helping them problem solve, feel less isolated, and build their internal capacity for continuous learning and improvement. With the financial support of All Points North Foundation, we can also lessen the burden of cost. We’re honored to start another school year partnering with so many great educators across the U.S.” – Heather Hiebsch, TeachUNITED, Chief Executive Officer
Students and teachers at Barnard School in New Hampshire share what makes them happy after conducting science experiments based on physical versus chemical changes.
For middle grade students in particular, those are the “make it or break it” years when students begin to disengage from school³. Strong, effective, research-based instructional practices in the middle grades are critical to keeping students engaged and developing good habits to ensure they are well prepared for high school and career success.
All Points North Foundation’s focus on public middle school education is unique, but one that is vital to shaping the future of our nation’s youth. Funding programs like those offered by TeachUNITED helps prepare and retain middle school teachers in an ever-changing education climate, helping their students grow academically and socially/emotionally.
“It’s critical for teachers to be adequately prepared for changing classrooms and school environments and to be motivated and encouraged to inspire middle school students. We’re eager to partner with TeachUNITED to support rural educators as they create long-term, sustainable opportunities for students.” – Tony Moten, All Points North Foundation, Director of Education Grant Partnerships
More about the program can be found here. Thank you, All Points North Foundation, for your generous continued support of TeachUNITED and middle school educators.
ABOUT ALL POINTS NORTH FOUNDATION
All Points North Foundation was founded in 2011 by a family who believes passionately that everyone has a “true North” – a place of achievement – and that everyone should have equal opportunity and access to realize their goals.
All Points North Foundation is focused on making a measurable difference one step at a time, one community at a time. All Points North Foundation provides grants for projects and initiatives that support their priorities: improving public middle school education and teacher training and implementing effective solar programs and/or projects in the United States.
Teachers at Cornish School in New Hampshire discuss the TeachUNITED program with members of the New Hampshire Department of Education and TeachUNITED staff.
¹ Center on Reinventing Public Education, The State of the American Student: Fall 2022