As students and their parents can testify, our Billings Catholic Schools teachers do incredible work! They are the front lines of forming our students in the Faith, Family Spirit, and Academic Excellence we all hold dear. So often, our investment in teachers cannot match the investment they make in the lives of our children.
Initial Efforts: Since the 1970’s, as more lay teachers replaced our beloved Sisters of Charity, a gap formed between teacher investment at the Catholic Schools and their counterparts at the public schools. This gap persists today!
In the latter years of the 2000’s, Chuck Heringer made it his mission to ensure our Catholic school teachers were adequately supported. At the time, Chuck developed the “Teachers Excellence Fund.” It would be his last major fundraising initiative for our Catholic Schools at the time of his death in 2008. Chuck raised $650,000 towards the Teacher’s Excellence Fund. It distributes $25,000+ annually.
Building on the Legacy: As a school whose mission is academic excellence, we know that high student achievement is intertwined with exceptional teachers. And what do teachers value: the gift of life-long learning!
Many of our teachers go on to receive advanced degrees because of their love of education, as well as to increase their earnings potential. Through this life-long education, many are ready to implement their learning through progressive instruction, cutting edge technology, and innovative curriculum – all to reach students and nurture them to their greatest potential.
Sadly, your Catholic schools are often left saying, “Great idea! But no, there is no budget for that,” even when exceptional ideas are presented from the people who know best – our teachers!
To this end, your Billings Catholic Schools and Foundation will begin a new grant program that invests in our teachers to achieve excellence for our students – the Teachers Excellence and Innovation Program.
For Mayfair 2025, your Billings Catholic Schools sought to augment the annual distribution from the Teacher’s Excellence fund with a new Innovation fund.
At these 2 levels, this Mayfair special project will distribute $25,000 a year for classroom innovation over the next decade. It will be paired with the $25,000 distribution from the already established Teacher Excellence Fund. Together, this Teachers Excellence and Innovation Program will provide $50,000 annually for teacher grants:
1) We look for teacher-recommended innovative programs, curriculum, and materials that drive greater student achievement. 2) We will implement educational assistance for teachers who desire to pursue advanced degrees. 3) We will review teacher-initiated training opportunities that directly augments classroom instruction.
