TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) — State Farm gave away a total of $100,000 to 40 teachers across Florida in the form of Teacher Assist grants, and one of those teacherss is right here in Tallahassee.
Ruediger Elementary's Caitlyn Whitley plans to use her $2,500 share to purchase equipment for the special needs children she nurtures on a daily basis. Most have autism and some are non-verbal.
Her purchases will help both inside and outside the classroom.
"We have some kids who can't necessarily run around on the playground if they are in wheelchairs or they need to be a little more careful," said Caitlyn Whitley, State Farm Teacher Assist grant winner. "So we've been trying to get some games for outside that they can do in one specific area and stay safe with that."
She also plans to invest in sensory bins personalized for each student to help further minimize classroom sharing and prevent the spread of COVID 19.
