Shelton Elementary Teacher Wins Tech Award

GOLDEN, CO – A new teacher librarian at Golden's Shelton Elementary has started with a bang by winning a $2,000 award for creating a space for students to experiment with STEM ideas.

Maggie Chesser was awarded one of 100 "Voya Unsung Heroes" grants for teachers who go an extra distance. The grants are awarded by Voya Financial, Inc. a retirement planning company that works with educators, the company said. Chesser was one of 1,200 competitors. Her project will now compete with other finalists for one of the top three prizes — an additional $5,000, $10,000 or $25,000.

“Coyote Construction Corner,” Chesser's library makerspace at the school at 420 Crawford St, Golden is an engineering and tech project area in the library.

"[Chesser] is transforming our library to help transform student tasks," said Shelton Principal Karen Brown in an email.

According to the project proposal, students will use the materials to create STEM-based picture books. Chesser's students will also build prototypes of wildlife bridges and code robots to cross them, testing them for strength. Each classroom at Shelton will print a final prototype and present their final designs and research findings, the proposal said.

With new lower tables and chairs in the library, more flexible seating is allowed for students to collaborate on projects (and kids love it, the principal said). The newly designed library also features a Lego Wall and the Mobile Makerspace (kept on a rolling cart.)

"Maggie is also collaborating with classroom teachers by providing models, resources, and learning opportunities to make student learning relevant, authentic, and engaging," Brown said. "Shelton is fortunate to have such a passionate educator."

Image via Shelton Elementary School.

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