EQT is partnering with the Williamsport Area School District Education Foundation (WASDEF) in a week-long effort to pay tribute to district teachers and raise funds to support classroom innovation during Teacher Appreciation Week from May 2-6.
Teacher Appreciation Week is celebrated across the nation every year during the first week of May to honor teachers and recognize “the lasting contributions they make,” according to the National Education Association.
WASDEF is inviting district families and its alumni community to honor teachers — both past and present — with a commemorative donation to its Teacher Mini-Grant Program, which annually provides teachers with an opportunity to receive $1,500 classroom grants to enhance curriculum and instruction.
Additionally, for teachers who receive donations in their honor, Amazon gift cards also will be given to them to support their classroom supply needs — which can be largely self-funded — for the 2022-2023 school year.
Donations made in honor of current WASD teachers will provide an Amazon gift card according to the following corresponding amounts: $15, a $5 gift card; $25, a $15 gift card; $50, a $30 gift card; and $100, a $60 gift card.
Gift cards will be granted to new WASD teachers, prioritized by hire date, for any memorial contributions received or donations made in honor of former teachers.
In 2021, WASDEF raised $4,460 and, in addition, provided $2,130 in Amazon gift cards.
“When we initiated this appeal last year, it was done with the intention to recognize teachers’ work and perseverance through an extraordinary year,” said WASDEF Executive Director Greg Hayes. “The response from the community was incredibly swift, and we received a lot of compliments from donors who were appreciative of being given a way to provide tribute to a teacher who educates their child or grandchild — or to even honor a teacher they had themselves. We’re grateful for EQT’s contribution toward this effort, which gives us the ability to help honor and directly support our teachers as well as increase our granting ability in providing educational enhancements for the classroom.”
“Knowledge and education are the foundation for all things that a child can accomplish. Teachers play an essential role not only in educating the next generation but also in shaping their character,” said Kelly Coppadge, EQT’s local government and community affairs specialist. “EQT is proud to partner with the Williamsport Area School District Education Foundation to celebrate and honor teachers for their passion and commitment to giving the children of our community the possibility of a brighter future.”
For those wishing to make a commemorative donation, select “2022 Teacher Appreciation Week Appeal” under “Give” at http://www.wasdeduationfoundation.org.
Founded in 2004, WASDEF is the recognized nonprofit affiliate of the Williamsport Area School District. The education foundation facilitates charitable giving and permanent legacies based on individual areas of interest in educational innovation, the arts, athletics and scholarships. For more information or to make a donation, visit http://www.wasdeducationfoundation.org.
