Mtea Member Earns Nea Foundation Grant

Milwaukee Teachers' Education Association member Christine "Tyne" Turner has received an NEA Foundation Fine Arts Grant for her innovative theater program for at-risk students. She is one of ten educators nationwide to earn the $2,000 grant.

Turner teaches drama to middle school students at Lincoln Center of the Arts. Her students participate in theatrical production by reading dramas and attending a play. Then, Turner's students build, produce, stage and rehearse a children's literary production.

The NEA Foundation awards the grants to fine arts teachers to help create and implement programs that promote learning among at-risk students. The programs can use painting, sculpture, photography, music, theater, dance, design, media or folk arts to engage students.

The Fine Arts grants are awarded to NEA members on an annual basis. In 2004, the grants were given to secondary teachers. Next year, elementary teachers are eligible. Learn more by visiting www.neafoundation.org.

Posted July 9, 2004