Former West Geauga science teacher Natalie Cooper was chosen as the 2021 West Geauga Educational Foundation’s Person of Innovation for her tireless work in driving West Geauga High School’s STEAM curriculum as well as implementing creative learning opportunities for science students both in and out of the classroom...
WGEF Person of Innovation
Former West Geauga science teacher Natalie Cooper was chosen as the 2021 West Geauga Educational Foundation’s Person of Innovation for her tireless work in driving West Geauga High School’s STEAM curriculum as well as implementing creative learning opportunities for science students both in and out of the classroom. Mrs. Cooper not only introduced innovative learning programs to her own courses, she also worked closely with another WGEF Person of Innovation recipient, Mr. Sustin. Always a champion of students, she donated her own funds and time to implement and sponsor school organizations such as the Environmental Discovery Club and the Robotics Club, both of which are award winning clubs.
The WGEF Person of Innovation Award is presented each school year along with a $500 check and recognizes those within the school community who’ve made outstanding efforts to introduce new ideas and methods of learning. Though retired, Natalie Cooper continues to advocate and provide support to STEAM programs at West Geauga Schools. The West Geauga Educational Foundation is extremely proud to be able to present this award to Natalie, one of West Geauga School District’s most dedicated teachers through the years.
To learn more about the West Geauga Educational Foundation, visit www.wgef.org. To join, help, attend an event or make a donation, contact Caise Rode McHale at 216-789-4842.
WGEF Provides Grants
The West Geauga Educational Foundation (WGEF) is a non-profit group that provides funds to help introduce new and innovative learning methods to students at West Geauga schools. Over the past 30 years, the foundation has provided more than $500,000 in funds to support educational programs.
Twice during the school year – November and February, WGEF reviews applications from teachers, administrators, students and parents to determine which programs to fund that will enrich and enhance educational experiences for West Geauga students.
Some programs the foundation has funded over the past few years include: 3D and CAD Project, Google Virtual Field Trips, Aquaponics Global Food Production, Elementary Robotics and Coding, Café Achieve, Great Lakes Theater School Residency, Lifeliqe Interactive Science Application, STEAM / Makerspace program, the IXL Online Learning Tool, StarLab Planetarium, live streaming equipment for WGMS Athletics and many more.
Anyone in West Geauga School District can apply for a grant. The West Geauga Educational Foundation has $22,000 available for grant funding this 2021-22 school year.
Those interested in applying for a grant for an innovative or new teaching idea may complete and submit an application, which can be found at www.wgef.org, by Nov.15. Contact Caise McHale at 216-789-4842 with any questions.
