Our Community Foundation Awards First-Semester Teaching Innovator Grant

Our Community Foundation has announced the first-semester recipients of its Teaching Innovator Grants. Washington Community Schools received a $250 grant for AAC Integrators—Core Vocabulary Activity Tubs. Speech and language professionals Kelsie Miller, Kelly Cummings, and Dawn Sponn accepted the award and were named Teaching Innovators.

According to the three speech and language specialists, AAC Integrators is an SLP-led cohort of teachers, paraprofessionals, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and administrators working to create environments and routines rich in opportunities for AAC instruction, modeling, and use. The cohort is guided by the belief that every student is capable of communication success, without exception.

Miller states that the Core Vocabulary Activity Tubs will provide opportunities to build AAC skills in learners across the district. These tubs will be used to build the foundational AAC skills in our youngest learners while also adding to the knowledge of our older learners. By giving students opportunities to practice and use AAC, we are increasing their independence, autonomy, and confidence in communication. By providing opportunities for teachers to incorporate AAC instruction into their classroom routines, we are increasing their awareness of and confidence with the importance of AAC for their students.

“This program is a strategic investment in the education of Daviess County youth,” said Travis Schaffer, president of the Foundation’s Board of Directors. “By empowering educators to innovate and create dynamic learning environments that meet students’ diverse needs, this funding helps prepare our youth for success in an ever-changing world.” Our Community Foundation is proud to support innovative teaching across area schools. The generosity of our donors makes investments like this possible, helping educators strengthen classroom practice and expand opportunities for local students.

Established in 2021, Our Community Foundation’s mission is to meet the changing needs of Daviess County by fostering a culture of local philanthropy. The Foundation administers 45 funds and reported assets of more than $10 million at the end of 2025. Guided by a Board of 24 community leaders, all residents of Daviess County with deep roots and a shared commitment to the community, the Foundation is uniquely positioned to understand local needs and opportunities. It strengthens the community through strategic grantmaking, stewardship, and partnerships, creating impact where it counts – right here in Daviess County.