Heart of the Ozarks United Way announces Books for Teachers grant opportunity for Willow Springs and Mountain View educators

Heart of the Ozarks United Way is pleased to invite teachers in the Mountain View and Willow Springs school districts to apply for its Books for Teachers grant. These grants offer up to $500 per teacher to support the purchase of books that enrich students’ learning experiences and complement classroom instruction.

 

“This is our second year offering grants directly to teachers,” said Stacy Tintocalis, Executive Director of Heart of the Ozarks United Way. “In May, we awarded grants to rural schools in Howell County, and last fall, to teachers in the West Plains School District. Our goal is to rotate this opportunity from district to district.”

 

At least two teachers will be selected to receive grants this fall. Funding may be used for a wide variety of reading materials that encourage literacy and intellectual development—such as picture books, early readers, chapter books, novels, memoirs, and short story collections. Teaching aids such as textbooks or workbooks are not eligible for funding.

 

“We encourage everyone to share this opportunity with the teachers in their lives,” said Tintocalis.

 

Applications are available at www.heartoftheozarksunitedway.org and must be submitted by midnight on Wednesday, Oct. 29.

 

“Our board is passionate about supporting educators and inspiring a lifelong love of reading among students,” Tintocalis added. “We’re excited to bring this grant program to Willow Springs and Mountain View.”

In addition to the Books for Teachers initiative, Heart of the Ozarks United Way raises funds for 11 local nonprofit partners and operates several community programs, including:

 

- Emergency shelter services during inclement weather

- Free art lessons for local youth and adults

- Free furniture for individuals transitioning out of homelessness and into permanent housing

 

For more information or to make a donation, please visit www.heartoftheozarksunitedway.org.