ESSER funding

During the edLeader Panel, “Utilizing ESSER Funding to Implement PBL + STEM Initiatives,” a panel of educational peers engaged in a lively discussion about how to best invest funding from the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER) in high-impact project-based learning (PBL) and STEM initiatives across the nation.

Presented by Kevin Walters, Supervisor, Grants Contracts and School Support, Michigan Department of Education; Mark Whelton, Superintendent, Bridgeport-Spaulding Community School District (MI); and Marilyn Powell-Barnes, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Lincoln Elementary School District 156 (IL)

Presented by Jennifer House, Ph.D., President and Principal Investigator, RedRock Reports

Schools and districts can continue to benefit from the federal government’s stimulus dollars through the American Rescue Plan (ARP) of 2021, the third iteration of the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER). These monies could drive the design of transformational initiatives with the potential for long-term impact.

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted school districts, students, staff, and families in unprecedented ways. In response to the learning loss, reduced instruction time, and low student engagement, the federal and state governmental agencies allocated ESSER I, II, and III funds to districts to utilize over the next two to three years.

Presented by Carl Hooker, Educator and Author, HookerTech, LLC; Doug Mesecar, Former EdTech Senior Executive and U.S. Department of Education Deputy Chief of Staff; and Harrison Parker, Vice President of Operations, NetRef

Presented by Jimmy Brehm, Vice President of Academic Planning and Solution Development, Scholastic Inc.; and Jenni Brasington, National Director of Family Engagement, Scholastic Education Solutions

Presented by Javier Trujillo, Vice President of Government and Community Partnerships, Achieve3000
Moderated by Dr. Debi Crimmins, Senior Vice President of Customer Advocacy, Achieve3000

Presented by Kathy Mickey, Senior Analyst/Managing Editor, Education Group, Simba Information; Joyce Whitby, President, Innovations4Education; and Lisa Schmucki, Founder and CEO, edWeb.net