The Tyler Independent School District Foundation celebrated innovative teaching by surprising the recipients of the 2025-2026 Grants for Great Ideas at various campuses throughout Tyler, Texas, on January 23, 2026. This exciting initiative involves distributing funds to educators to foster creativity and enhance learning experiences in the classroom.
Suzette Farr, the executive director of the Tyler ISD Foundation, emphasized the organization’s commitment to supporting innovative teaching. “Supporting innovative teaching is central to our mission,” she stated. The Foundation, a nonprofit established in 1990, aims to enrich educational opportunities through classroom grants, scholarships, and inventive programs.
This year, the organization awarded 22 grants across 17 campuses, enabling teachers to implement unique projects that address important educational needs often left unfunded. The celebrations were filled with cheers and school spirit, as the Tyler ISD Foundation Grant Patrol, along with board members, district leaders, and community partners, presented the awards directly to the teachers. Students and staff actively participated in the festivities, highlighting the community’s support for education.
The projects funded through these grants promise to create engaging and hands-on learning experiences, igniting curiosity and boosting student achievement. For instance, Owens Elementary School will benefit from immersive classroom transformation kits, while Birdwell Dual Language Immersion School will incorporate advanced 3D printing technology into its curriculum.
“Grant Patrol Day is one of our favorites because we get to see firsthand the impact these awards have on both teachers and students,” Farr noted, reinforcing the Foundation’s dedication to fostering an enriching educational environment.
Since its inception, the Tyler ISD Foundation has invested over $4.1 million in local classrooms, significantly impacting educational quality in the district. For more information about their initiatives and ongoing efforts, you can visit the Tyler ISD Foundation’s website. This commitment to educational excellence not only supports teachers but also ultimately enhances the learning experience for students across Tyler ISD.