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The fund provides annual classroom grants from competitive teacher applications for creative instructional projects. The purpose is to assist teachers in accessing resources for instruction that will engage students and inspire and accelerate learning. The Yadkin County Education Foundation was launched in recognition of the growing challenges teachers face in engaging students. Tapping into teachers’ creative potential and providing them with the extra tools needed will mean innovative learning opportunities for students. Superintendent Dr. Martin explains “We have remarkable teachers whose creativity is too-often hampered by the lack of funds needed for innovative instructional projects aligned with life and careers today. Through this new fund, teachers have an opportunity to pursue their dream instructional programs – programs that will excite students and accelerate learning.”
Start-up gifts were contributed in hopes of inspiring others to follow their lead. Excited about the potential, Yadkin County School Board members and Dr. Martin, have each also made a personal pledge/donation to the new fund. Sandi Scannelli, President/CEO of the Shallow Ford Foundation adds, “Our parents and residents support a high-quality education for students and this fund provides an opportunity for all residents to help teachers and students achieve their maximum potential. It may also attract and retain terrific teachers, knowing there is broad community investment and support for creative instruction.”
The initial gifts enable the Foundation to launch its first grant application cycle in February 2024 for grant-funded projects in the fall. In this first year, a minimum of 8 grants of up to $2,000 will be awarded per teacher application that is selected. At least one grant of up to $4,000 will be awarded for an application jointly submitted by two or more teachers for a collaborative project. The grants are designed to further engage students through creative learning opportunities using tools, materials, and equipment not traditionally available to classroom teachers. Priorities and guidelines are shaped by the Advisory Board, made up of leaders from business and industry, community, and education and appointed by the Shallow Ford Foundation Board of Directors and Yadkin County School Board. The diverse perspectives ensure the grant-funded classroom projects are necessary, practical, meaningful, and relevant.
Recently retired as Superintendent of Yadkin County Schools, Dr. Martin has been a tireless advocate for teachers and students for the past 10+ years. Under his leadership, YCS has launched several successful community partnerships resulting in enhanced support and educational opportunities for students, including the Yadkin County Education Foundation, a fund of the Shallow Ford Foundation, launched in 2023. Dr. Martin saw this new resource as important and with an unfinished goal. Thus, in addition to a much-deserved break, he will be assisting us in the continued development of the Yadkin County Education Foundation. We feel so fortunate to continue to work with Dr. Martin in growing this resource for YCS. His enthusiasm and leadership in doing everything possible to enhance educational opportunities for students is inspiring and unequaled. He brings wisdom, experience, and determination to the development of this Foundation.
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Advisory Board
Dr. Todd Martin, Advisory Board Chair, Former Superintendent, Yadkin County Schools and Shallow Ford Foundation Staff
Jon Bowman, Peace Haven Baptist Church
Anthony Davis, Superintendent, Yadkin County Schools
Chandra Davis, Marvin's Garage Doors
Jimmy Flythe, Duke Energy
Chris Funk, Edward Jones
Jennifer Johnson, Three Magnolias Financial Advisors and Board Chair, Shallow Ford Foundation
Robert Reavis, Oppenheimer & Company Financial Advisors
Marty Roberts, Rid-A-Big Exterminating Co.
Amanda Key Shore, PREMIERE Group at Real Broker, LLC
Jennifer Z. Smitherman, Live Like Norah, Inc.
H. Smith Williams, UNIFI
Glenda Wingler, CW Electric Co., Inc.
Sharon Yale, Astrazeneca and YCS Board of Education
Shallow Ford Foundation Staff Support Team:
Sandi Scannelli, President/CEO
Emmy Corn, Chief Operations Officer
For more information and presentations about the Yadkin County Education Foundation, contact Sandi Scannelli, sandi@shallowfordfoundation.org or call 336-407-3460.
