Godley Middle School science teacher Angie Pinkerton was among recipients of grants from the Texas Retired Teachers Foundation, according to an announcement from the organization on March 31, 2023.

Pinkerton will receive $750 through the foundation’s Classroom Assistance Grant program for the 2023-24 school year.

As a teacher for eighth grade students, Pinkerton will use the money to purchase a Sunspotter telescope to enhance a unit on the sun.  “The learning objective for this grant is to inspire our class to safely observe the closest star to Earth and help us truly understand its components and its place on the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram,” she said.

The Sunspotter provides a safe and convenient way to view the brilliant light of the sun.  Pinkerton also plans to use the grant to purchase 500 solar viewers so that students and staff can view the expected total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024.

TRTF awards grants to Texas public school teachers who, on a daily basis, demonstrate commitment to public education and Texas children through the creation of programs, events or other learning platforms.  Only 30 public school teachers received this year’s grants.