TEACHERS ARE remarkably resourceful individuals. You often find them transforming limited supplies and challenging circumstances into rich learning experiences. They adapt swiftly to diverse needs, finding creative ways to educate their students and help them overcome challenges they may face both in and out of the classroom. Their ability to connect with students, personalize learning, and remain resilient under pressure reflects intelligence and deep empathy. From navigating technology hurdles to cultivating inclusive classrooms, their flexibility and ingenuity make them invaluable pillars of education. In every challenge, teachers find opportunities and, in every student, potential worth nurturing.
Teacher Brenda Munusamy recently used her innovative talents to help provide handicap access to the outdoor areas at Lincoln Central Academy.
Munusamy is a pre-K teacher at the school. During recess time, she began to notice how difficult it was for students in wheelchairs or with mobility disabilities to gain access to the playground.
“It was almost impossible to get a wheelchair across the gravel to the swing set that is handicap accessible,” she said. “One of my co-workers had seen a product called Access Trax that people use to get wheelchairs across the sand at the beach. I contacted them and got some more information along with a price quote.”
Access Trax are durable, lightweight, foldable, and portable wheelchair access mats used for mostly flat areas on terrain such as sand, gravel, dirt, mulch, and grass. The mats work for mobility devices and heavy equipment.
The project total was just over $1,000. Munusamy then went to work on acquiring the funds to bring these much-needed mats to Lincoln Central. Thanks to the Lincoln County Retired Teachers Association, she would find some assistance.
According to retired educator and association member Toni Locke, the Lincoln County Retired Teachers Association was able to help thanks to a unique donation from a member who had passed a few years ago.
“Several years ago, a teacher left money from her estate to the Retired Teacher Association,” explained Locke. “Once deposited into the bank, the interest from the account was to be used for the benefit of scholarships [for students]. However, once the state began offering [Tennessee Promise] scholarships to every student graduating from a Tennessee high school, there wasn’t really a need for a scholarship for aspiring teachers. We then determined we would help classroom teachers with grants. They would propose their idea and, if we agreed upon such a proposal, we would then grant the funds to support their idea.” Locke added that eligible teachers are any members of the Tennessee Education Association.
After reaching out to the group, Munusamy said she presented her idea and was given the green light. With the grant from the Lincoln County Retired Teachers Association and a matching amount from the school’s special education department, mats could be purchased. The results from the purchase have been priceless, according to Munusamy.
“We can now easily roll wheelchairs across the gravel to get to the playground equipment,” stated Munusamy. “We also had a student who was not in a wheelchair but had some mobility issues walking on uneven surfaces like gravel, so the mats also provided him a sturdy surface to access the playground equipment. It has served a dual purpose for students in wheelchairs and those who cannot navigate as easily on the gravel surface.”
Munusamy said she is grateful that help is available from groups like the Lincoln County Retired Teachers Association.
“I appreciate the support of the group,” she said. “If there are things that are not in the school budget to purchase, it’s good to know there is an outside source available. The funds are not unlimited, but if there is a unique need, we have people like the retired teachers group who are willing to help.”
Lincoln County Retired Teacher Association member Teresa Brown stated that the group is currently looking for applicants for the next grant to be awarded. Application forms are made available each September.
“We are currently looking for others who have needs and who belong to the association. We want teachers to know this money is available and to contact us if they would like to apply,” stated Brown.
Brown, an educator for 30 years, said she and her fellow retired teachers understand the importance of giving back.
“Teaching is a calling,” said Brown. “You can’t last in the classroom unless you feel called to be there. I’m sure any teachers reading this article can say they make sure their students always have the things they need. Teachers are the heart of Lincoln County, and it’s their job to love these children into being productive citizens. And even now retired, we do everything we know is possible to help children. We still continue to do what we can to help.” GN
Memorial or honorarium donations to the grant fund may be mailed to: LCRTA Treasurer, 2503 Pulaski Hwy., Fayetteville, TN 37334.
