RSS Principals of Construction teacher Dennis Serrano receives largest grant totaling $31,959 from the GCCISD Education Foundation. From left in front Nathan Chaddick, RSS Principal, Susan Passmore, education foundation board member, Erika Foster, education foundation director, Serrano and Jo Ann Fenley, education foundation board member. Serrano’s students cheering him on. 

By: Erika Foster, Director of Education Foundation

Goose Creek CISD teachers received a big surprise when the Goose Creek CISD Education Foundation Grant Surprise Patrol showed up with grants in tow. The sound of the drums echoed through the halls as Foundation board members, district administrators, donors, high school cheerleaders and drumline made their way through twenty-two campuses. A total of 45 Innovative Teaching Grants were awarded to 79 teachers, totaling over $198,880. 

Dennis Serrano, a teacher from Ross S. Sterling High School, received the largest grant ever awarded of $31,959. Serrano teaches 9-12th  grade Principles of Construction. His grant entitled, “The Future is Now,” will help implement more CAD (computer-aided design) lessons into the curriculum. “This will be accomplished by adding laser cutting capabilities into the classroom and shop to prepare students to enter the workforce upon graduation”, Serrano said. 

These grants will be used to implement new and creative teaching strategies to enhance the learning experiences of GCCISD students. It is always heartwarming to see the teachers get the recognition they deserve, and these grants are sure to help them continue to inspire and educate the next generation,” said Susan Harper, Vice President of Programs. 

This year’s Grant Surprise Patrol awarded the  second highest amount since inception in 2009, bringing our total to over $1.8 MILLION awarded in innovative grants and designated donations for special projects.