A teacher new to the profession has successfully sought out funding in order to expedite equipping his classroom, not being afforded the time a career educator may have toward accumulating resources.
Keith Burson of Poplar Bluff High School was awarded $750, between two grant programs at the end of last school year and the beginning of this one, aimed at creating a more “inclusive, conducive” environment for all learners in his special education math program.
Burson received $250 in May through the Southeast Missouri Local Administrators of Special Education for Access Algebra, an evidence-based curriculum designed for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
“This curriculum empowers special education students to engage with content that is often beyond their reach in traditional settings, promoting confidence, skill development and academic progress,” he wrote in his proposal.
During the back-to-school convocation last month, Burson was presented $500 from the Missouri Retired Teachers Association Foundation to acquire hands-on manipulatives and visual aids to complement the curriculum component.
“Research supports multi-sensory strategies for improving comprehension and retention for students with learning challenges,” Burson stated. “These tools will help build student confidence, increase engagement and support academic achievement.”
Following a 38-year career in a clinical laboratory, Burson started as a paraprofessional at the Middle School, then transferred to PBHS upon completing his teacher certification. Now in his third year with the district, he hopes to begin supplementing his instruction this month, having secured nearly 90 percent of the funding needed to achieve his goal.
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Cutline: Missouri Retired Teachers Foundation Region 12 Vice President Mark Cook (at podium) presents Keith Burson one of 84 checks the organization awarded across the state during the back-to-school convocation Thursday, Aug. 14, at PBHS. Also pictured is John Moyer (far left), MRTA board member, and R-I Superintendent Dr. Aaron Cornman (far right).