Johnston, SC – Johnston-Edgefield-Trenton (J-E-T) Middle School Science teacher April Tomkinson cannot imagine doing anything else other than teaching. Now in her third year as an educator, she enters each school day with a profound appreciation for the positive impact she is able to have on her students.

However, something was missing from her science classroom that may surprise you – art supplies.

“The science and engineering practice that we use a lot in science is learning how to create models,” stated Tomkinson. “If they have to create a lot of models, some students like to use a lot of colors, and so having paper for that or a poster for a class presentation is something they really need. Having all of those resources, like colored pens and paper, is important.”

For Tomkinson, a current recipient of the Teacher’s Vision Grant offered by the Foundation for Public Education in Edgefield County (FPSEC), providing those materials is not just about funding supplies for students who may not be able to purchase them. It’s also about efficiency and convenience.

“Some of our students may not have the money for those things, and even if they do, they may not always bring what they need to class that day,” commented Tomkinson. “Having all of those things always available in a station in our classroom when they need it is important. They know I will have what they need when they need it. Even if it’s for another class, they are welcome to use those resources.”

“Having the support of local businesses and individuals through the foundation and Teacher’s Vision Grants lets teachers know they are supported and that there is someone in the local community who wants to supply what they need to enhance their learning environments,” she added. “It helps teachers know they are not alone in the community.”

LOCAL FUNDS ONLY THE BEGINNING

The $1,000 local grant has only been the starting point for Tomkinson, however, who has also received state and national grants during this school year – to the tune of $9,200. These have included a national Toshiba America Foundation Grant ($,4,700) and a state education Growing in STEM Grant ($3,500).

Tomkinson will use the Toshiba grant primarily to purchase Polaroid cameras and digital cameras, while the state STEM grant will be used to buy beading ink pens and other supplies.

“One of our science standards is helping students make sense of how digital technology is used for data transfer and data storage and how waves factor into all of that,” stated Tomkinson. “With the STEM grant we will use the beading pens to explore human genetics and reproduction to better understand why each of us are so unique and special. For example, we will use Punnett squares and then pens to show how the color of our eyes is determined by our parents.”

“I’m really excited to bring these things into my classroom, and I am so appreciative for these grant awards,” she added.

Overall, during her short time in the classroom, she has received over $16,000 in grant funding.

LOVE OF TEACHING PROVIDES INSPIRATION

Grant writing can require many hours preparing eye-catching, standards-based projects and filling out lots of paperwork and grant applications. So, why does she do it?

“I love teaching,” commented Tomkinson. “I love what I do. So, if there’s anything I can do to make it better or make my instruction more fun and engaging, then that’s what I’m going to do. At the beginning of the school year when we were learning about physics, we were crashing 3D cars and then using 3D pens to print solutions in more cars, and then we crashed them again. Oh my goodness, all of a sudden, science was great. They loved science.”

Art supplies, digital cameras, beading ink pens and more – all making a big difference in a science classroom.

“Writing grants can be intimidating, but they’re really not that hard,” added Tomkinson. “If you have a great idea, go for it.”