By Patrick Baron

NORMAL – Over two dozen Unit 5 educators have received grants courtesy the local chapter of Beyond the Books.

33 educators working in various programs received a total $55,717 to help turn their program ideas into realities. Beyond the Books president Paula Pratt said the organization helps fund innovative school programs each year.

“We are looking for that opportunity for the educators to deliver a better learning environment, a better program, and sometimes that means they need tools and different resources,” Pratt explained.

Ranging from STEM to linguistic learning, the programs provide additional outlets for young students to learn in different ways. Pratt explained the grants give educators some breathing room when it comes to funding their programs.

“It’s really a variety of innovative ideas that go beyond what can be funded on a regular daily basis,” said Pratt. “Our teachers are already spending a lot of personal resources to make their classrooms work.”

Funding for the grants comes from various corners of the community, such as businesses and individuals with connections to the school district.

Patrick Baron can be reached at [email protected].