Grants in Action | 2025/2026 School Year
Perrysburg Junior High School Language Arts teachers Samantha Piotrowicz and Kerry Stoots were given an extraordinary opportunity to deepen their professional learning through an internship at the Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) in Edgecomb, Maine, thanks to funding through Perrysburg Schools Foundation’s Edwin H. Simmons Scholarship Fund. Founded by award-winning educator and author Nancie Atwell, CTL is recognized nationally for its innovative approaches to literacy instruction and its commitment to empowering both teachers and students.
During their four-day internship, Samantha and Kerry immersed themselves in the school’s reading and writing workshop model, observing classrooms where students are encouraged to make meaningful choices in their reading and writing. They saw firsthand how CTL teachers create a culture of trust and curiosity—one where students take ownership of their learning and strive for authentic expression through publishing, reflection, and feedback. These experiences provided powerful examples of how student-centered instruction can cultivate not only literacy skills but also confidence and joy in learning.
The teachers returned to Perrysburg energized and inspired to implement these strategies in their own eighth-grade language arts classrooms. They began reimagining how to structure their lessons to allow for greater differentiation, more individualized conferences, and richer student engagement. “Seeing how CTL empowers students to find their voice affirmed everything we believe about the potential of young writers,” they shared. “We’re eager to bring those ideas home to Perrysburg—to help every student feel seen, heard, and capable.”
Beyond immediate classroom applications, the experience also strengthened Samantha and Kerry’s sense of professional purpose. Spending time among educators who view teaching as an ever-evolving craft reignited their passion for continual learning. They left CTL not only with new instructional techniques, but also with a renewed appreciation for the artistry of teaching and the power of reflection and collaboration in their own professional journeys.
They also plan to share what they learned through professional development sessions with colleagues across Perrysburg Schools. By exchanging strategies, resources, and classroom models, they hope to extend the impact of their internship well beyond their own students—building a community of educators inspired by CTL’s example.
Reflecting on their experience, Samantha and Kerry expressed deep gratitude for the support that made it possible:
“One of our core values as educators is being lifelong learners who continuously find ways to strengthen our teaching practices. The opportunity to travel to CTL allowed us to reflect, rework, and reimagine our lessons. Professionally, this trip affirmed the value of collaboration and continuous growth. It helped us rediscover the joy in our craft and reminded us why we love what we do. Without Perrysburg Schools Foundation, and the support of their generous donors, this experience would not have been possible.”
Your generosity empowers the educators who inspire and shape our students every day.
Join us in celebrating their dedication—make your gift to the Perrysburg Schools Foundation today to support and uplift our teachers.
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