South Celebrates Educators for Extra Yard for Teachers Week

Posted on September 19, 2023 by Amber Day

Pictured left to right: William White, principal at Robertsdale High School; Dr. Allan Allday, chair of the University of South Alabama Department of Leadership and Teacher Education; Dr. Anita Salinas, a science teacher at Robertsdale High who received $1,000 for her project titled “Cutting Into Cartilage: Sharks Inside and Out;" Dr. Paige Vitulli, chair of the USA Department of Integrative Studies and NCAA faculty representative for South; and Joe Sharp, assistant superintendent for Baldwin County Public Schools.

The University of South Alabama joined education supporters from across the country in an eight-day celebration dedicated to honoring and recognizing great teachers. Extra Yard for Teachers Week is Friday, Sept. 15 through Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023.

“This week allows us to bring recognition to our area teachers and say ‘thank you’ for all they do daily to make an impact on their students and communities,” said Dr. John Kovaleski, interim dean of the College of Education and Professional Studies.

The University of South Alabama College of Education and Professional Studies and South Alabama Athletics partnered with the College Football Playoff Foundation to celebrate teachers in Mobile and Baldwin Counties. Through the USA Classroom Project Contest, South awarded one $1,000 gift card, one $500 gift card, two $250 gift cards and one $100 gift card to the teachers who submitted the best project ideas for classroom enrichment.

University representatives traveled to Robertsdale High School on Tuesday, Sept. 19, to surprise the top Classroom Project Contest winner as part of the national “Big Day for Teachers” celebration. Dr. Anita Salinas, a science teacher at Robertsdale High, received $1,000 for her project titled “Cutting Into Cartilage: Sharks Inside and Out.”

All five Classroom Project Contest winners were honored Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023 at the Jags vs. Central Michigan football game at Hancock Whitney Stadium.

University of South Alabama Classroom Project Contest Winners

$1,000 (BIG DAY WINNER): Dr. Anita Salinas
Robertsdale High School
Project: Cutting Into Cartilage: Sharks Inside and Out
Summary: Three years ago, Robertsdale High School received state approval to offer marine science as an elective course. The program has grown, and therefore, more lab equipment is needed. The opportunity to offer shark dissection is the culminating event of the year. The money will assist the program with purchasing the essential equipment needed for dissection from Flinn Scientific kits.

$500 Winner: Emily Rankin
Florence B. Mathis Elementary School
Project: Share Your Voice
Summary: Mathis Elementary School has a high population of Hispanic children. To become more inclusive for the entire classroom, the money will be used to purchase Pocket Talk devices to assure non-English speaking students can have conversations with as many of their peers as possible.

$250 Winner: Jacquelyn Adams
Phillips Preparatory School
Project: Pirates Robotics
Summary: The Pirates Robotics program is a hands-on project in STEM that uses the engineering design process. The money will provide more robot kits for students.

$250 Winner: Rebekah Campbell
W. C. Griggs Elementary School
Project: Breaking Out of the Boredom Box!
Summary: Breakout EDU is an educational platform that offers immersive learning games inspired by "escape room" concepts. Funds will provide more supplies to create an immersive experience for students.

$100 Winner: Ellis Passmore
UMS-Wright Preparatory School
Project: Pop Art and Printmaking in the Classroom
Summary: Students will have the opportunity to create a linoleum print of their chosen logo and print in several colors to create their own work of "Pop Art!" Funds will provide more supplies for the class.

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