Sister Mary Ignatius Skipper is a first and second-grade teacher at St. Ann’s Catholic Elementary School in Belcourt, North Dakota, who will be using her $5,000 grant for the “Turtle Mountain Transformative Learning Project,” a program that ensures each child will receive an education that is taught based on their personal development needs by using hands-on materials.

The objective of the project is to utilize classroom materials that allow the students to practice language arts and social studies skills until they have personally mastered the concept. Curriculum materials include the Waseca Language program (which allows students to continue learning at their own pace), geography maps, a globe and enriching books.

These materials will enhance each student’s learning capabilities by choosing materials that fit their learning styles, and the students will develop the ability to become independent thinkers and learners. This gives them motivation, confidence, and a sense of accomplishment.