Extra Yard for Teachers | Military Bowl

The College Football Playoff Foundation’s primary philanthropic initiative, Extra Yard for Teachers, elevates the teaching profession by inspiring and empowering teachers through the implementation of programs in four focus areas: resources, recognition, recruitment, and professional development. This program is proudly sponsored by Wegmans, with special displays featured in all regional Wegmans locations.

Through the College Football Playoff Foundation’s Extra Yard for Teachers program and sponsored locally by Wegmans, the Military Bowl Foundation recently provided grants to 10 teachers with connections to the military from across the Washington area:

Ashley Anderson, Langdon Elementary School, Washington, D.C.: Now in her 17^th year as a teacher, her twin sister Jasman served 20 years on active-duty in the U.S. Marine Corps, including a deployment to Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom. Ashley teaches first and second grade and enjoys providing students with a caring adult who enjoys seeing them grow as people.
Liz Boddye, Potomac High School, Prince William County: U.S. Army veteran served more than eight years with two tours of duty in Iraq and now is in her second year as a teacher, teaching 10^th grade English.
Carlesha Douglass, Argyle Middle School, Montgomery County: U.S. Air Force veteran served five years on active-duty and another five years in the reserves. Now in her 19^th year as a teacher, she teaches computer science and engineering in the Innovative Minds program.
Bobby Edwards, Chantilly High School, Fairfax County: 32-year U.S. Army veteran served 11 years in the reserves and 21 years on active-duty, including a one-year tour in Iraq before retiring as a colonel last year. In his 10^th year as a teacher, he teaches entrepreneurship and coaches tennis.
William Fouse, Stevensville Middle School, Queen Anne’s County: U.S. Marine Corps veteran served 20 years on active-duty. Since retiring from the Marine Corps in 2022, has worked as a teacher and now teaches seventh and eighth grade special education.
Megan Hunton, Gaithersburg Middle School, Montgomery County: U.S. Army Reserves veteran teaches middle school math and is the eighth grade team leader.
Katie Johnson, Germantown Elementary School, Anne Arundel County: U.S. Navy active-duty spouse is in her 12^th year as a teacher, having worked in seven different schools while her husband was transferred throughout the country. She now teaches fifth grade literacy, math, science and social studies.
Martha McKinney, Flower Hill Elementary School, Montgomery County: Physical education teacher is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran served from 2012 to 2016 and was part of the first group of female Marines accepted into infantry school at Camp Geiger, paving the way for females to enter combat arms job fields.
Matt Pflieger, Springbrook High School, Montgomery County: Six-year U.S. Navy veteran teaches special education in a program called Learning for Independence, working with students with intellectual disabilities to learn life skills and functional academic skills.
Vicky Prosser, Brooke Point High School, Stafford County: U.S. Army veteran served six years as a Spanish linguist and instructor and now teaches Spanish and Spanish for fluent speakers.

See how some of the 2024 grants were utilized

“My project is centered around gathering materials that will make learning more hands-on, engaging, and fun for my 2nd graders. With our new curriculum, I’ve found that building an interactive knowledge board is a powerful way to bring lessons to life, and it requires a variety of supplies to be truly effective. These materials will also play a key role in our end-of-unit celebrations, which give students a chance to reflect on their learning in creative and meaningful ways.I am happy to send pictures once the supplies are delivered and the lessons are in action.”

– Dawn Conway, Anne Arundel County Public Schools

“With the grant, I acquired a variety of items including bins, flexible seating, binders, games, a teacher toolbox, treats, and many other valuable resources. These additions have had a profound impact on both the students and the classroom dynamics. Bins have helped organize each student’s materials, making it easier for them to keep track of their supplies in our small groups. Binders have been instrumental in keeping students’ work organized, promoting better study habits and a sense of responsibility. Flexible seating options have created a more comfortable and adaptable learning space. Learning games have introduced another element of fun and learning, encouraging teamwork and critical thinking skills. We also use these games as a tool for social skills and helping them learn that we won’t always win the game.”

– Danielle Hogan, Prince William County Public Schools

“I am writing to share the positive impact that our “Zen Den,” created with the generous support from the Miltiary Bowl and DonorsChoose, has had on our students in the special education program at Clearview. The Zen Den was designed to be a safe, calming space where students can access the tools they need to self-regulate and find comfort when they are feeling overwhelmed or need a break from the classroom environment. Since its creation, the impact has been nothing short of transformative. The space has become a crucial part of our students’ emotional well-being. Students now have a designated area where they can engage with sensory items, mindfulness practices, and calming activities that help them center themselves and regain focus.”

– Shelby Hill, Fairfax County Public Schools