Newsmakers: ‘Strong Start’ Initiative Helps Equip New Teachers

For teachers, building up a classroom each year is no small undertaking.

However, a new initiative is helping to relieve some of that financial burden for new educators at Osseo Area Schools.

It’s called the “Strong Start” initiative, and it will distribute money to new teachers in the district this fall.

Strong Start chair Jeremy Scheller said the nonprofit District 279 Foundation tries to find unique ways to support learning environments in the district.

“We kept coming back to this number, that teachers spend up to $900 a year out of pocket for classroom supplies, or decor, or books or that kind of stuff. So we just wanted to figure out how to bridge the gap,” Scheller said. “The Strong Start initiative is giving brand-new educators $250 to just outfit their classroom with what they need.”

This effectively replaces the “Reading is Fun 5K,” which supported media centers in the district.

Scheller said the referendum that was passed effectively supports media centers, so they wanted a new target.

“It’s really about creating a personalized environment that teachers feel comfortable and welcoming for their students, and really just helping them find the unique fit. You know, the district supplies all the necessities — but then there are those other gaps that just make a room feel special for a teacher,” Scheller said.

He said they’ve already had good support from some businesses in the area.

How to Help

The foundation is committed to distributing $20,000 to new educators in the district this fall.

To contribute, visit the District 279 Foundation website and Strong Start donation page. 

Brooklyn Park | Maple Grove | Osseo

Newsmakers