Piedmont educators receive grant for innovative teaching idea

DULUTH, Minn. (Northern News Now) - Four Duluth teachers got a big honor Monday, for making the learning experience a little easier for everyone.

Voya Financial awarded Jason Goulet, Matt Wade, Jessica Brown, and Sarah Striechan, who are all educators at Piedmont Elementary School, a $2,000 grant, in recognition of their "sensory friendly school" idea.

The group is among only 50 winning submissions in the entire country, and have the chance to be selected as one of the top three national winners to win more funds to help bring their idea to life.

The idea provides sensory equipment and support for Piedmont students, and aims to help those students spend more time in class, and less in intervention.

The school currently has very high needs in the area of special education and very limited resources.

This grant will be used to provide a multi-sensory experience space within the class and away from the classroom. The spaces allow for students and teachers to meet their sensory needs, by utilizing special equipment to provide sensory support and facilitate calming.

Voya Financial is a leading provider of retirement plans for educators, and their grant was a part of the company's 2024 Unsung Heroes Awards Competition.

For 28 years, the Voya Unsung Heroes program has awarded grants to K-12 educators in the United States to recognize and support their innovative teaching methods, creative educational projects, and their ability to positively influence the children they teach.

Since the program's inception, Voya has awarded more than $6 million in support of educators through this nationwide program.

To apply for the 2025 Voya Unsung Heroes Grant or learn more about this year's winning projects, visit the Unsung Heroes website .