Celebrating Educators: University of Nevada, Reno Joins Washoe County School District for Extra Yards for Teachers

Nevada Athletics is once again teaming up with the College Football Playoff Foundation for a special event called Extra Yards for Teachers Week. This celebration focuses on recognizing the vital role teachers play in the Washoe County School District.

The event runs from September 13 to 20. The recognition kicked off on September 13 during a thrilling football game against Middle Tennessee.

This year, Alice Smith Elementary School received a $5,000 donation. At the game, Donald Easton-Brooks, the Dean of the College of Education, and Don Angotti, the Chief Academic Officer for Elementary Education, presented the check to Ashley Bailey, who leads the STEAM program at Alice Smith.

Alice Smith Elementary expressed their excitement, stating, “This funding will help us offer more creative and hands-on experiences in robotics, art, and science. Our goal is to inspire students through innovative projects that improve their problem-solving and teamwork skills.”

In addition to the main award, six schools were each granted $1,000. The lucky recipients were Donner Springs Elementary, Libby Booth Elementary, Echo Loder Elementary, Silver Lake Elementary, Depaoli Middle School, and North Valleys High School.

The ongoing partnership between the Wolf Pack and the Washoe County School District is making a difference. This collaboration helps connect students and teachers to the University, while also rewarding exceptional educators for their hard work.

Extra Yards for Teachers Week is part of a larger national movement to appreciate teachers. Launched in 2015, this initiative uses the excitement of college football to highlight dedicated educators. The biggest day of this celebration allows universities and athletes to recognize inspiring teachers, both at games and on social media.

The College Football Playoff (CFP) Foundation, a non-profit organization, is committed to improving education. Their mission is to support teachers and boost student success. They focus on providing resources, recognition, and professional development to elevate the teaching profession.

Interestingly, recent studies show that a positive recognition culture within schools can significantly enhance teacher satisfaction and retention. A survey indicated that schools with recognition programs experience up to 20% lower turnover rates among teachers. This makes events like Extra Yards for Teachers Week not just nice gestures, but essential for building a supportive educational community.

Overall, initiatives like this illustrate the profound impact that support for educators can have on the entire community. By valuing teachers, we can foster better learning environments for students—and create a brighter future for everyone.

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