Innovative Teacher

Innovative Teaching Grant

Every year, the Mater Dei Friends & Alumni Association awards a $1,000 grant to a faculty member that submits a written application to the MDFAA Board. The purpose of the Innovative Teaching Grant is to assist a teacher at Mater Dei in implementing novel and innovative ideas by awarding the teacher $1,000 to help finance the idea or project. The idea must (1) enhance the student learning experience and (2) make teaching a more fun and enjoyable experience for the faculty member. All faculty members are eligible to apply for the grant.

2021 MDFAA Board of Directors

President, Brett Bueltel ‘08 Treasurer, Kathryn (Wildeman) Hess ‘12 Secretary, Gina Goedde ‘93

Andy Niemeier ‘06 Austin Knapp ‘12 Billy Wayne ‘04 Jamie (Reese) Schiff ‘98 Janice (Goebel) Schuble ‘64 Kevin Moore ‘91 Lauren (Niemeier) Grossman ‘07 Natalie (Emge) Sandefur ‘98 Wayne Emge ‘70 Annalee (Hildenbrand) Tepool ‘84 Weston Tenbarge ‘10

This year’s winner is Mr. Nick Soellner. Mr. Soellner’s application included the request for funding for supplies for students to create their own Catholic Board Game in his Theology class. “Each year in my Freshman Theology class, I have students attempt to apply their knowledge of faith and creative skills to create a Catholic Board Game that incorporates Catholic concepts and ideas into the design and gameplay of their project. Each year sees a bevy of different game types and ideas, but each year there are usually a few really special projects that capture the essence of the assignment and take it to the next level. I want to promote all of my students to strive for this kind of excellence all while delving deeper into their faith to apply it to something as fun, communal, and engaging as a board game….”

Congratulations Mr. Nick Soellner! We can’t wait to see the outcome of putting this grant to use!