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This $313,736 grant will be used in twelve Imperial County School Districts to fund professional development for K-12 classroom and arts educators.  One of 24 grants awarded nationally, the near one million dollars over three years will provide Imperial Valley Schools the opportunity to improve arts instruction while improving students’ academic achievement.

"I am extremely pleased to announce this grant, said Congressman Filner. "With funding for education and especially the arts dwindling nationwide, this grant is an important investment in our educators and our children." 

John Anderson, Superintendent with the Imperial County Office of Education, said, "We are especially pleased to be working with Dr. Michael Bitz of Columbia University Teachers College and Professor Elizabeth Holster from Cal State Fullerton. It is a wonderful opportunity for our teachers to work with such outstanding experts."

The grant funding will be used to train classroom teachers to create lesson plans that include sequential art graphic novels (commonly known as comic books). This approach allows students to explore drawing, while positively impacting student learning outcomes and simultaneously benefiting the student's use of the English language and mathematics. Teachers will participate in five day summer institutes, Saturday workshops and in class coaching.

Filner added, "As a former educator, I understand the importance of providing teachers with appropriate job security and compensation for their hard work and dedication. Teachers are charged with the most important job: educating future generations, and they must be recognized accordingly. This grant is a step in the right direction."