New Teacher Grants

Annually, the Talent Development/Mentorship Coordinator can apply for grants for incoming new instructional staff.  Grants will fall into one of two categories:

• First Year Teachers: First Year Teachers have significant needs to set up their classrooms for the first time. If a new staff member is also a first-year teacher (new to the profession), they are eligible to receive $400 towards resources to help set up their first classroom.
• Experienced Teachers New to Austin: Often the school district hires teachers with experience who are new to the district. These teachers are eligible to receive $200 towards resources to help set up their classroom.

The Annabell Benson Endowment Fund

Supporting New Teachers in Austin Public School District #492

Annabell Mae was born July 7, 1930, in Blackduck, Minnesota to Frederick William and Anna Cecilia (Sorberg) Benson.  She graduated from Blackduck High School and went on to earn her teaching degree from Bemidji State.  Her entire teaching career has been in Minnesota public education.  She began in Williams, MN, and then later taught in Litchfield, MN, Hutchinson, MN, and completed her career teaching at Neveln Elementary School in Austin, MN.   Annabell Benson passed away on Friday, October 8, 2021. A portion of her estate was left to the Austin Public Education Foundation.

As a teacher, Annabell’s lifelong passion has been the education of children. She had a particular passion for mentoring new teachers as she became a veteran in the classroom. For this reason, the funds from Annabell’s estate will be applied to helping new teachers to Austin Public Schools with setting up their classrooms.