Alexandria, VA – Mr. David Dillard, an educator at Skyway Park Elementary School in Colorado Springs, Colorado, has been awarded a COVID-19 Relief Grant by the Association of American Educators Foundation (AAEF). This special grant will be used to purchase a video camera, recording equipment, and software for recording lessons and tutorials.

“These items will affect all teachers and students at the entire school as I will be using them from home to create higher quality, reusable tutorials and lesson resources for all grade levels,” noted Mr. Dillard in his application. “After this pandemic-related remote learning time is over, I plan to deploy this equipment to teachers so they can record lessons and tutorials on an ongoing basis.” In this unprecedented time of need, AAEF is pleased to support the nation’s educators and their vision for better serving their students and their educational community. This special cycle of COVID-19 Relief Scholarship and Grant funding is open to all educators and they are invited to submit their concepts, projects, and activities that will expand learning opportunities for their students. “Mr. Dillard’s submission impressed our judges for the dual role this grant will fulfill through meeting students’ immediate need for greater access to coursework while at home and by supporting colleagues’ future needs when school is reopened.” said AAE Senior Professional Programs Manager Melissa Pratt. “The national scholarship and grant program is one of the most important ways we encourage and spotlight professional excellence today, and through this special cycle of our program we are able to respond swiftly with needed funding.”

The AAE Foundation National Teacher Scholarship and Classroom Grant Program is open to all educators. Applications for a newly added cycle of COVID-19 Relief Scholarships and Grants for educators affected by pandemic-related school closures are now being accepted and evaluated on a rolling basis through May 15, 2020. Application and information are at aaeteachers.org/cvgrant.


The Association of American Educators (AAE) is the largest national, non-union, professional educator organization, advancing the profession by offering a modern approach to educator empowerment and advocacy—promoting professionalism, collaboration and excellence without a partisan agenda. AAE is committed to a teaching profession that is student oriented, well respected, and personally fulfilling. AAE serves members in all fifty states and welcomes professionals from all education entities. Membership is $16.50 per month which includes $2 million professional liability insurance, employment rights coverage, professional resources and many other benefits. Visit aaeteachers.org for more information.

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