Leading by Example
Meet the incredible awardees of the 2022 Classroom Catalyst grants! Chosen from a slate of inspiring applicants, these projects exemplify the kinds of leadership development educators are spearheading in their communities. From leadership training for students of color, to bolstering women's history library resources, to reviving counselor in training programs - these awardees are leading by example.
JAMY HAUGHEY - ADVANCING STEM EDUCATION
Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion - Sanford School
Hockessin, Delaware
Jamy is a STEM educator at the high school level. She has taught a variety of courses including Physics, Programming, Engineering, and Robotics. She has been a coach and advisor for various STEM teams and clubs and serves as a mentor and a role model to the female students with whom she works. Jamy said that she works to create a classroom culture where her female students feel challenged, inspired, and motivated to succeed in any science pathway they choose to pursue. Of late, she has focused on creating lessons and programs that help her Asian and Black students to better understand their identities and to develop their leadership skills. She has led students to plan and run club meetings and to organize fundraisers.
MEGAN KISSINGER - ENHANCING LIBRARY RESOURCES
Second Grade, New Eagle Elementary School
Wayne, Pennsylvania
After looking over her second grade classroom at the mid-point of the year and the work her students had done, Megan decided that her curriculum needed a boost on lessons that focus on girls and women and their accomplishments—women of history, women of today, American women as well as women from around the world. She said that she wanted her girls “to see and hear messages of strength, power, courage, and ability.” Megan plans to use the Classroom Catalyst funds to increase her classroom library selections and also to purchase a class set of one particular book (Fantastically Great Women by Kate Pankhurst) to use for a more in-depth project with students.
MANDI MILLER - REVIVING GIRLS LEADERSHIP PROGRAMMING
Camp Director, Camp Little Notch
Fort Ann, New York
The Classroom Catalyst gift helps bring back the previously dormant Camp Little Notch Counselor in Training (CIT) leadership program for young women ages 15-17. CITs attend a two-week session to learn about themselves and to strengthen their leadership skills in areas such as group dynamics, decision making, public speaking, and conflict resolution. They also hone their abilities in teamwork and resilience. Toward the end of their two-week training program, participants help create and run their own hour-long program with younger girls.
“No country can ever truly flourish if it stifles the potential of its women and deprives itself of the contributions of half of its citizens.”
Michelle Obama
GIRLS NEED PRACTICE
We fund classroom instructors, coaches, camp, and religious leaders working in U.S. states, tribes, and territories in every content area, who serve students in Grades 2-12. This funding is for role models who are intentional and systematic at:
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Calling on female identified youth at least as frequently as they call on male identified youth;
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Responding to trans- and cis- girls in detail with feedback and follow-up questions; and
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Bringing girls into all conversations and problem-solving activities.