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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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSeveral years ago, a teacher left money from her estate to the Retired Teacher Association,\u201d explained Locke. \u201cOnce 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\u2019t 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.\u201d Locke added that eligible teachers are any members of the Tennessee Education Association.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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\u2019s special education department, mats could be purchased. The results from the purchase have been priceless, according to Munusamy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe can now easily roll wheelchairs across the gravel to get to the playground equipment,\u201d stated Munusamy. \u201cWe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Munusamy said she is grateful that help is available from groups like the Lincoln County Retired Teachers Association.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI appreciate the support of the group,\u201d she said. \u201cIf there are things that are not in the school budget to purchase, it\u2019s 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.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe 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,\u201d stated Brown. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Brown, an educator for 30 years, said she and her fellow retired teachers understand the importance of giving back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cTeaching is a calling,\u201d said Brown. \u201cYou can\u2019t last in the classroom unless you feel called to be there. I\u2019m 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\u2019s 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.\u201d GN<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Memorial or honorarium donations to the grant fund may be mailed to: LCRTA Treasurer, 2503 Pulaski Hwy., Fayetteville, TN 37334.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" 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, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":24505,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-24503","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-feature"],"yoast_head":"\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/goodnewsmags.com\/fayetteville\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2025\/09\/Story-1-photo1-5-1024x683.jpg\")