A Stevenson Middle School teacher is on track to land a $100,000 educational grant to create an “Imaginerium” on campus if she gets enough online votes by Monday’s deadline in a national competition.
Patricia Morgan, a STEM teacher, is among the top five contestants in the latest tally of votes in Farmers Insurance’s Dream Big Teacher Challenge, according to a Farmers spokeswoman. STEM stands for science, technology, engineering and math.
Morgan’s proposal was selected as one of 15 finalists from hundreds of applicants in the nationwide contest, which is part of Farmers’ Thank America’s Teachers program. The winners will be determined by popular vote online, and the top five each will receive the grant.
Morgan proposed an “Innovative Invention Imaginerium” for the school, a hub for students to learn and share the latest technology.
“It’s a place where the kids can come and learn 21st-century skills. They would learn how to use
3-D printers, laser cutters, new coding, video game design, electronics, robotics,” she said.
“We are opening the door for them to be able to create and use the newest technology and learn these new skills that they can apply later in their careers,” Morgan said. It also will offer more conventional skills such as sewing and construction.
Students would “pay it forward” by mentoring younger students, and the center would be open to neighboring schools in the complex, from elementary through high school.
“With $100,000 I can make all of it happen,” said Morgan, who also coaches the math and Science Olympiad teams and is the school’s fundraising coordinator. “Any votes we can get would really help us.”
Supporters can vote daily for their favorites through Monday at ThankAmericasTeachers.com. Balloting requires an email address for verification. The address will be used only for the contest, not for marketing purposes, a Farmers spokeswoman said.
