Daily CSR
Daily CSR

Daily CSR
Daily news about corporate social responsibility, ethics and sustainability

Enhanced Lesson Plans: Teachers Rave About PNC Grow Up Great's Impact



05/19/2023


Discover the Power of Investing in Early Childhood Education
 
Unlock a world of possibilities with high-quality early childhood education. Extensive research has revealed an astounding 13% return on investment, benefiting not only businesses but also communities and their residents. The impact is far-reaching and transformative.
 
But that's not all. These investments have a ripple effect that goes beyond financial gains. By enhancing property values, reducing crime rates, and diminishing reliance on government assistance, your dollars can create a brighter future for everyone involved.
 
At PNC, we understand the immense value of investing in our youngest generation. That's why we launched PNC Grow Up Great, our flagship philanthropic initiative. Since 2004, we have been dedicated to nurturing a lifelong love of learning in children.
 
Through PNC Grow Up Great, we have allocated a remarkable $500 million towards a bilingual early childhood education initiative. From birth through age 5, we empower children to thrive academically and personally. Over the past 19 years, we have supported more than 8 million children, especially in underserved communities.
 
As part of our commitment, we have collaborated with esteemed arts and science organizations to develop bilingual lesson plans. These valuable resources are freely accessible to educators, parents, and caregivers through the PNC Grow Up Great Lesson Center.
 
Invest in the future. Join PNC Grow Up Great and help shape a brighter tomorrow for our children and our communities.
 
“Because we’re bankers, not educators, from the start of PNC Grow Up Great we’ve worked with education experts at the local and national level, to develop resources and programs to support pre-K children, their families and their teachers,” said Jeanine Fahnestock,” senior vice president of PNC Bank and deputy executive director for PNC Grow Up Great. “This latest alliance with PBS KIDS is another great example of leveraging the expertise of the best of the best.”
 
Elevate Your Classroom with Enhanced Lesson Plans
At PNC Grow Up Great, we believe in supporting teachers every step of the way. That's why we've created the PNC Grow Up Great Lesson Center, a hub of field-tested lesson plans designed to seamlessly integrate into your daily schedule. These plans not only enrich classroom activities but also foster open communication between parents and children, allowing for a well-rounded educational experience.
 
And now, we're taking it to the next level.
 
In a groundbreaking collaboration with PBS KIDS, PNC has committed an impressive $750,000 in grants from 2021 to 2024. Together, we're elevating selected lesson plans and bringing them to PBS LearningMedia within our PNC Grow Up Great Lesson Center. This means even more resources and support for educators like you.
 
To make these lessons even more accessible and engaging, we've listened to your valuable feedback. We've broken down selected lessons into "bite-sized chunks," ensuring that they are easy to integrate into your teaching. Plus, we've included brief videos featuring beloved PBS KIDS characters like Elinor, Daniel Tiger, and Buddy. These characters explore captivating content related to the learning themes, making the lessons even more memorable and exciting.
 
With the continuous efforts of over 60 early childhood educators across seven PBS member stations, we're constantly developing 81 original lessons. And by Fall 2024, a remarkable 118 lesson plans will be available on PBS LearningMedia from PBS KIDS.
 
These lesson plans focus on early science, math, and art activities that perfectly align with each topic. They incorporate engaging PBS KIDS video clips, interactive games, extension activities, informative articles, and creative crafts for classroom use. And the best part? You can easily share these resources with families, strengthening the connection between home and school.
 
Hear What Educators Are Raving About
Teachers across the country are buzzing with excitement about the new and improved lesson plans from the PNC Grow Up Great program. Molly Seiler, an esteemed educator from St. Louis, Missouri, shared her incredible experience with the "Changing Seasons, Rooting for Plants" lesson. She was amazed by the level of student engagement it sparked. "I had always wondered how to integrate STEM into pre-K, but this lesson showed me the way," she exclaimed. Inspired by her success, Molly is eager to explore more lessons in the upcoming school year. Not only did her students have a blast investigating and learning together, but she also experienced a renewed sense of joy and enthusiasm in her teaching. Laughter and excitement filled the classroom, exactly what a lesson should be.
 
Chau Tran, an educator from Orlando, Florida, echoed the sentiments of many teachers. She believes that the resources provided by PNC Grow Up Great are a lifeline for families and teachers who may not have access to the necessary means to support children in their care. The program offers a wealth of free and accessible resources that can make a profound difference in the lives of young learners. Chau firmly believes that more teachers need to be aware of this incredible opportunity.
 
And it doesn't end there.
 
Tawnya Heinsohn, a passionate teacher from Elk River, Minnesota, adds a heartfelt touch. She understands the true power of education and its ability to shape young minds that can change the world. With the support of PNC Grow Up Great and local PBS station TPT, Tawnya is making a difference in her community, one lesson at a time.
 
“As my students engaged with some of their favorite PBS KIDS friends, they were able to channel their curiosity, formulate and test hypotheses, and think of creative solutions about the world around them. Our learners may be young, but Elinor, Curious George and Sid the Science Kid encourage them to be world changers.”
 
Join the ranks of these dedicated educators and be a part of the movement to support and empower children who have the potential to make a lasting impact on our world. Together, we can nurture their curiosity, ignite their passion, and create a brighter future for all.