May 27, 2022 - Jean Goldstein, SSD teacher in Hazelwood’s Brown Elementary, is the recipient of the 2022 Gold Star Grant in the Individual category. Goldstein has demonstrated a deep commitment and passion for teaching and mentoring students, and was awarded a $5,000 grant in addition to a $2,500 donation by Emerson and its Excellence in Teaching Awards Program. 

“I have had the opportunity to apply for the Gold Star Grant since the 2018-19 school year,” said Goldstein. “However, I never felt that I had an idea that was worthy of the magnitude of the grant. This year I decided to apply because I felt that I finally had a worthy idea. I worked on and submitted the application in February 2022. I received an email in early May 2022 saying that I had been selected. I was so shocked when I opened the email and saw fireworks!”

The money will be used to purchase an interactive whiteboard table, which Goldstein expressed a need for in her application. It’s a device that offers a simultaneous hands-on touch experience and writing opportunities, which are perfect for collaborative learning. Goldstein would be able to split screens, save work, modify lesson plans in real time, and offer alternative methods for instruction, engagement, and assessment. She also believes it is a path to eliminating barriers that traditional instructional materials often present for students in lower socio-economic areas. The board can be used in-person, virtually, or in a combination of both ways. 

“It would allow me to be able to design a variety of project-based learning options in the classroom for all students to experience success, despite their learning challenges and deficits,” said Goldstein. “I could align the experiences to their IEP goals. In essence, this would provide opportunities to effectively assist students to think, comprehend, and interact independently in a technologically advanced world in a dynamic and engaging manner.  This brings 21st century learning experiences into the special education setting.”

Goldstein is humbled and excited to have the opportunity to better meet the needs of her students. As a child, she dreamed of being a teacher. She loves working with students on a daily basis and watching them grow up and accomplish all of their goals. For more information about Emerson and its Excellence in Teaching Awards Program, visit www.emerson.com.