Aldine Education Foundation Awards $4,000 in Innovative Teaching Grants

The Aldine Education Foundation (AEF) surprised four educators with $1,000 Innovative Teaching Grants during its annual Prize Posse celebration Friday, Feb. 20.

The awards recognize innovative classroom projects that bring new instructional strategies directly to students across Aldine ISD. The Innovative Teaching Grant program provides seed funding to help teachers pilot unique ideas that align with district priorities, enhance student engagement and academic achievement throughout the district.

For more than a decade, AEF grants have helped launch projects across various subject areas. This year’s recipients represent four campuses and a range of subject areas, from literacy and financial education to STEM and fine arts, demonstrating the foundation’s long-standing support of teacher-led innovation.

“Our educators continue to redefine what’s possible for students,” said Jermani Atkinson, director of the Aldine Education Foundation. “These grants empower teachers to create meaningful, real-world learning experiences that elevate student success.”

All four educators said the moment the Prize Posse arrived was both unexpected and emotional, describing feelings of surprise, gratitude and honor that their ideas had been recognized and supported. While the celebration highlighted their dedication as educators, their first thoughts quickly turned to their students and the new opportunities these grants would create. The teachers emphasized that the funding will allow them to bring innovative lessons to life in ways that will meaningfully impact their classrooms.

2026 Grant Recipients

Elisabet De Miguel – Griggs EC/PK/K School (Sponsored by Whataburger)

“TEK by TEK, Preparing Students for Success in the Real World”

Focused on strengthening data analysis and financial literacy skills for bilingual learners.

De Miguel, a bilingual kindergarten teacher said the grant will allow students to explore real-world learning through hands-on experiences.

“Through projects like running a fictional restaurant, students will build skills in math, data analysis, and financial literacy in a way that is engaging and meaningful,” she said. “My goal is to help students not only love learning but also feel prepared for the real world.”

Elizabeth Gilbert – Eisenhower Ninth Grade School

“Removing Barriers to Books: A Book Festival Grant for Eisenhower 9 and Big Ike Students.”

Gilbert’s project gives 100 students the opportunity to attend Teen Book Con and engage with authors and literary workshops.

“Seeing the Prize Posse walk in meant the financial barriers were officially gone,” she said. “Our students will meet YA (Young Adult) authors and begin building their personal libraries. Opportunities like this help students see that their voices and stories matter.”

Apsara Ajithan – Aldine High School (Sponsored by Whataburger)

“Eyes in the Sky: Drone-Based Air-Quality Monitoring at Aldine High School”

A hands-on STEM initiative applying physics, robotics and engineering to real-world environmental challenges. Ajithan said the grant will bring meaningful STEM experiences directly into the classroom.

“It will give my engineering design students the opportunity to explore coding, programming, and applied physics through hands-on projects like working with drones,” she said. “Experiences like this help students connect their learning to real-world applications.”

Eun Sung Kim – Carter Academy

“Strings in Motion: An Immersive Exploration of the Science of Sound”

Integrating music, visual arts, and science to explore sound, vibration, and performance. Kim said the project will allow students to explore the connection between music and science through creativity and collaboration.

“Students will design and build recycled instruments while learning about vibration, pitch, and resonance,” she said. “It’s a hands-on way for them to see themselves not only as musicians but also as scientists and creators.”

This year’s Prize Posse representatives included AEF board members President Jana Anders-Gonzales, Judy Hoya, Sidney Brewer, and Pastor David Smith, as well as AEF Director, Jermani Atkinson.

Through programs like the Innovative Teaching Grants, the Aldine Education Foundation continues to support educators who bring creative ideas into the classroom. These projects help create engaging learning experiences that inspire students and support their academic success.

See more photos from the surprise visits here.