At Sally Buselt Elementary School in Menifee, third‑grade teacher Lesley Stevens plans to transform her students’ reading experience by adding flexible seating to the school’s large collaborative learning space. “With my $100 check I am going to purchase some comfortable seating to use with my students during reading group time,” she explained. “Our school has a unique and large collaborative space to use, and the comfortable cushions will make this space during our reading time so much better!”

At Tahquitz High School in Hemet, biology teacher Anne Rizzacasa will use her grant to enhance hands‑on science learning. The award will cover much-needed technology essentials and supplies her classroom has been missing. “Thank you so much, CalRTA! I plan to buy chargers for our Chromebooks and biotech supplies to study genetics, along with headphones to help students concentrate,” she said.

Fourth‑grade teacher Lorena Roberts of Nuview Elementary School expressed her enthusiasm for expanding both math and literacy resources in her classroom. “I am so grateful to have received a CalRTA Division 33 Teacher Grant,” she said. “I am excited to buy math manipulatives for my students. I also plan on buying more books for my classroom library. My students are going to love all of the new books. Thank you for continuing to support educators!”

At Park Hill Elementary School in San Jacinto, K–2 special education teacher Mai Eickman will use her grant to purchase essential classroom supplies tailored to her students’ needs. She emphasized the importance of sensory tools in supporting young learners, helping them focus and spurring engagement. “Thank you so much for the $100 check! I’m planning to use the money to buy school supplies for my classroom, especially sensory toys for my students!”

At Fruitvale Elementary School in Hemet, reading intervention teacher Jenna Spinali received $200 in grant funds — presented by Division 33 Co‑President Sue Breyer and Secretary Amy Helm at a recent staff meeting — after Division 33 matched the CalRTA state’s $100 Teacher Grant with an additional $100. Ms. Spinali explained that the funds will directly support the intensive reading intervention she and her co‑teacher provide to students who struggle. She also said that “with this money, I think I might buy another weighted lap pad. Many of our students have ADHD or anxiety and find it very difficult to calm their body and mind down so they can focus on learning.”  She also intends to purchase the new phonemic‑awareness book “Sounds of Success” and a subscription to a website offering instructional materials for struggling readers.

CalRTA and its local Division 33 remain deeply committed to strengthening public education by advocating for retired educators, supporting active teachers, and investing directly in classrooms through grants like this one. Their ongoing efforts help ensure that students, teachers, and schools across the Hemet–San Jacinto Valley continue to benefit from resources, expertise, and a strong community of educators dedicated to learning. For more information, go to calrta.org.

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Among December’s recipients is third‑grade teacher Barbie Sanchez of Callie Kirkpatrick Elementary School in Menifee. Upon hearing the news, Sanchez expressed heartfelt appreciation, saying she was honored to receive the grant. She plans to use the funds to purchase Expo dry erase markers and art supplies, materials she believes will help “brighten our creative minds” and enhance daily classroom activities.

Second‑grade teacher Melanie Carver, who teaches at Chester W. Morrison Elementary School in Menifee, was equally delighted by the unexpected award. Calling it a “wonderful surprise,” Carver shared that she intends to use the grant to “expand my classroom library with new books,” resources she hopes will inspire her young readers and strengthen their love of learning.

At the San Jacinto Technology Institute, Christa Slater, who works with kindergarten and first‑grade students in the school’s K/1 lab, plans to use her grant to support hands‑on learning and motor‑skill development. Slater has already purchased “Drop  Sticks” reflex challenge games to build hand‑eye coordination, rocket launchers for STEM lessons, and bean bag toss games” for both indoor and outdoor use. She also selected Scholastic books to bolster her classroom library.

Rounding out last month’s honorees is Scott Stolte, who teaches sixth‑grade math, sixth‑ and seventh‑grade science, and CTE at Hemet Dual Language Academy. Stolte outlined three practical and engaging uses for the funds: “I have needed a new rolling cart for a year now, I will put some of the money towards getting an air purifier for my room, and … we are going to do a Jello model, using the Jello in a cup as the cell and various candies to represent the different parts of a cell.”

Through these grants, CalRTA Division 33 continues its commitment to supporting public school educators and strengthening classroom experiences across the region. Division 33 also offers sixteen $1000 scholarships to qualifying seniors each year.  For more information about CalRTA, check out their website at calrta.org, or Division 33’s website at div33.calrta.org.

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• Esperanza Laura, Hemet Elementary School (TK–5): “Thank you so much for the $100 check. I was in a classroom supporting our 4th graders with their writing. I will use the grant prize money to encourage our teachers and students to use the Building Thinking Classrooms approach to learning by purchasing any materials needed. CalRTA, your support is greatly appreciated!”

• Herman Hilkey, San Jacinto Leadership Academy – Magnet, San Jacinto (10th grade): Mr. Hilkey, shown here with Principal Michael Luna, plans to use the $100 grant for “robot parts for our Engineering Club. We have robots and need replacement brains that are newer”—essential for keeping the club’s robots functional and compatible with current technology.

• Nataly Orozco, Romoland Elementary School (Special Education): “Thank you so much, CalRTA, for the award! I plan on using the grant money to purchase items to support my students’ sensory needs, such as chewy necklaces, a weighted lap pad, fidget toys, noise-cancelling headphones, and therapy putty.”

• Gary Thrapp, Hans Christensen Middle School, Menifee (6th–8th grade History): “Thank you very much for the $100 grant check. I am excited to use it for classroom incentives and projects and to help create a more positive environment for my students. I truly appreciate CalRTA’s support.”
In addition to the four Division 33 recipients, two local educators received $100 Teacher Grants from the CalRTA State organization. Division 33 matched each state grant with an additional $100, bringing the total to $200 for each teacher to use in their classroom.

• Jacinda Coats, Education Specialist at Park Hill Elementary School, San Jacinto: Jacinda plans to use the $200 to purchase sensory equipment for her classroom. She is pictured with CalRTA Division 33 Co-Presidents Ron and Sue Breyer.

• Vanessa Fowler, 5th Grade Teacher at Táawila Elementary School, Menifee: Upon receiving her $200 grant, Ms. Fowler said, “I deeply appreciate the work CalRTA does to support educators, and I’m excited to put this grant to good use for our Táawila students.” She is pictured with Principal Dr. Rose Pike (left) and CalRTA Division 33 Co-President Sue Breyer.

For more information about the California Retired Teachers Association state organization, visit calrta.org. To learn more about local CalRTA Division 33, go to div33.calrta.org or email them at calrtadivision33@gmail.com.

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Kristal Smith, a 7th-grade English Language Arts and Special Education teacher at Monte Vista Middle School in San Jacinto, plans to use her grant to create ecosystem dioramas with her students as part of their science curriculum. “This will be a great way for them to demonstrate their learning using a hands-on approach,” Smith shared, adding that students will present their work to classmates and families.

At Hemet Elementary School, Stephanie Brundige, who teaches Special Education for grades 3-5, will establish a class library and a “calm down corner.” Her vision includes a bean bag chair and leveled books to support students of varying reading abilities, offering a comfortable space where they can relax or take a break when needed. “Thank you so much for your support for us teachers!” Brundige said.

Michael Armstrong, a 6th and 7th-grade Social Studies teacher at Acacia Middle School in Hemet, intends to invest in basic classroom supplies, restock art materials for projects, and introduce new resources to facilitate discussions and debates using primary sources. “How exciting! Thank you!” Armstrong said upon receiving the grant.

Meanwhile, Miranda Houwaart, who teaches an intensive autism program at Mountain View High School in San Jacinto, plans to use her grant to purchase sensory items and cooking supplies for her students. The funds will help enhance engagement and provide valuable hands-on learning experiences. “Thank you so much!” Houwaart expressed.

The CalRTA Division 33 “no strings attached” $100 grants continue to make a difference in local classrooms, allowing teachers to fund their classroom needs and support their students’ learning journeys. Since its grant program’s inception in 2019, Division 33 has awarded $10,000 worth of grants to local classroom teachers.  CalRTA’s mission is to protect and advocate for retired and active educators’ pensions and other retirement benefits and to support public education in our communities.  Local CalRTA Division 33 offers fifteen $1000 scholarships to local seniors each year in addition to its sixteen $100 teacher grants.  For more information about CalRTA, you can access their website at calrta.org.

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Lorena Roberts, a 4^th grade teacher at Nuview Elementary School, said, “I am so grateful to have received a CalRTA Division 33 Teacher Grant. I am excited to buy more books for my classroom library. I also plan on buying more prizes for my monthly Scholar Dollar store. My students are going to love all of the new prizes. “

Another Nuview Elementary School 4^th grade teacher, Natalie Ogle, said her class was so excited when she told them about winning the grant. “We are out of Expo markers, highlighters, mechanical pencils and a group set of books. We have had parents donate these items a few times already this year, but now we are in need of replacement supplies. I truly appreciate CalRTA’s donation and I’m so glad I entered the contest,” Ogle said.

“Thank you so much for this $100 grant,” said Guillermina Casarez, who teaches 3^rd grade at Hemet Elementary School.  “I will be using the money to buy seat pockets for my classroom,” Casarez said.  She explained that seat pockets help students by providing easily accessible storage space on the back or sides of their chairs to keep their school supplies organized and desks tidy.

Cassy Taylor-Campos, a 6^th, 7^th, and 8^th grade ES teacher at Hamilton High School, said she plans “to purchase resources for Yoga exercise and sitting balls for my classroom.” Sitting on stability balls (exercise balls) in a classroom can benefit students by allowing them to move and fidget while still focusing on learning.

Ron and Sue Breyer, CalRTA Division 33 Co-Presidents, presented a $100 State-level CalRTA teacher grant to Master Gunnery Sergeant David Mendez from Tahquitz High School at their recent staff meeting.  As a surprise, Division 33 matched that $100 grant with a crisp $100 bill for a total of $200 to use in his classroom!  Mendez heads up the Tahquitz High School Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps, one of the biggest and most influential leadership programs in the Hemet-San Jacinto Valley.

One of the missions of the California Retired Teachers Association (CalRTA) is to support public education, and its popular teacher grant program is just one way in which local retired teachers can support and show their appreciation for local educators. In addition to teacher grants, CalRTA Division 33 also offers up to 15 $1000 scholarships to graduating seniors in Hemet, San Jacinto and Nuview School Districts who plan to become public school teachers.  For more information about CalRTA, go to calrta.org or div33.calrta.org.  

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Aimee Howman teaches English 10 and ERWC (Expository Reading and Writing Curriculum) at Nuview Bridge Early College High School in Nuview. She says she is “super excited to use this $100 grant to start building an awesome classroom library for my students.  I have been wanting to purchase new graphic novels and other young adult books for both my struggling students and avid readers.”

KrystalSimioli, who teaches Transitional Kindergarten at Menifee’s Callie Kirkpatrick Elementary School, has already planned how she will use the $100 grant.  “Thank you so much for the $100 special funding I received to help me add important resources to my classroom,” Simioli said. “I’m so excited to supply my students with much needed manipulatives for ELA and Math. My students learn a variety of ways, and the grant funds will help purchase tools for hands-on/play-based learning, such as Melissa and Doug See and Spell Wooden Educational Toys, Wooden Alphabet and Number Stamps, and blocks for STEM integration. Thank you again for this opportunity!”

Tawnee Wallace, 6^th grade math and science teacher at Monte Vista Middle School in San Jacinto, says she was “thrilled that I have been selected as one of the $100 winners! As a dedicated educator, I am deeply grateful for this opportunity. The funds will directly benefit my students by providing essential learning supplies—specifically, a full year’s supply of pencils and a new calculator for each student. These resources will support my students’ academic journey and help remove barriers to their learning. Thank you!”

Sara McLamb, a TK teacher at Hemet Elementary School, was grateful for “this wonderful opportunity! My TK students and I are very excited to have earned this grant for our classroom. We are going to be spending the $100 grant on outdoor toys for our recess and exploration time. Our learning through play will be enhanced with this grant and my students will have more opportunities to explore and have fun outdoors. We would like to purchase some fun outdoor items to use to develop our gross motor skills.”

Allison Yanez, a 2nd-grade teacher at Winchester Elementary School in Winchester, received her CalRTA State $100 Teacher Grant from Division 33 Co-President Sue Breyer during her school’s November staff meeting.  Breyer then surprised Ms. Yanez with a matching $100 bill from Division 33, for a total of $200to use in her classroom.  Allison was one of 95 recipients randomly selected from 10,000 applicants throughout the state.  Upon receiving her $200, Allison said, “Thank you so much for this grant! I’ll be using it to bring some wonderful new read-aloud books into our classroom. I’ll also be purchasing supplies to support smoother transitions between activities. Thank you, CalRTA, for helping make these additions possible!” 

The Teacher Grant program is one way in which the California Retired Teachers Association supports public education.  Each year, CalRTA Division 33 offers 13 $1000 scholarships to graduating seniors and presents 16 $100 teacher grants through its random drawings.  In addition to supporting California’s public education system, CalRTA is also an advocate for retirement security for public educators and for the repeal of the unfair Social Security penalties, WEP and GPO.  For more information about CalRTA, visit calrta.org or div33.calrta.org.

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Bethany Gibson teaches IB Language & Literature and AP Language & Composition at San Jacinto High School, where she is also Co-English Department Chair and IB Coordinator.  When she received notice that she was a grant recipient, she said, “I’m so thrilled to have this grant opportunity! I am in the process of creating supply boxes for our interactive notebooks we use in all my classes. Boxes will be available for each table group to use so supplies are only ever an arm’s reach away! I’m also considering investing in ambient lighting for my classroom. The overhead lights are bright and clear but ambient lighting helps soothe the mind and provides a more inviting atmosphere for learning.”

Valle Vista Elementary School Special Education teacher Kelly Hileman expressed her thanks to CalRTA for providing these opportunities to receive funds for their classrooms.  She said, “Thank you so much for holding such events for teachers! This check means so much to me! I plan on buying art and sensory items with the money. I teach TK-2 Special Education, and the Arts and sensory opportunities are so critical for this group of students. Thank you from room 16, Mrs. Hileman’s Class!”

Science teacher Melissa Ferguson teaches 6th and 7th grade Mild Moderate SDC/RSP (Special Day Class and Resource Specialist Program) at Kathryn Newport Middle School in Menifee.  As with the other grant recipients, Melissa is focusing on the necessities.  “Thank you!” Melissa responded when notified she was a winner.  “This $100 grant will go to starting my ‘I’m in need of…’ cabinet. Many of my students lack supplies or even basic necessities, and I want to take those factors that often become barriers to learning out of their picture.” 

Lisa Cameron teaches 7^th grade Special Education at Menifee Valley Middle School Menifee.  Given the limited budgets established by many districts, teachers are always in need of additional supplies to bolster instruction and increase student participation and engagement.  Lisa says that she plans to use her $100 grant to purchase “balance boards for students to stand and work at tall desks.”

The California Retired Teachers Association’s mission is to protect retirement security and other retirement benefits for teachers and to support public education.  Teacher grants are just one way in which retired teachers can support and advocate for current California educators.  CalRTA Division 33 awards 16 $100 Teacher Grants each year and offers 11 $1000 scholarships annually to graduating seniors from local high schools. For more information about CalRTA, go to calrta.org or div33.calrta.org.

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Retired teachers have not only spent decades helping future generations, but they continue to make a difference in the lives of others long after leaving their teaching careers. In 2023, CalRTA members statewide donated more than $40 million worth of time to their local communities. Members of local CalRTA Division 33, which serves Hemet, San Jacinto, Menifee, Nuview and Romoland, volunteered nearly 12,000 hours in the same year, with a value of over $437,000.  Retired teachers can often be seen volunteering their time and skills in community centers, libraries, schools, and local organizations. Their time enriches the lives of both children and adults, and their pensions uplift their local communities. Because retirees spend their benefit checks in their local community, their spending ripples through the economy as one person’s spending becomes another person’s income.

CalRTA members are part of that pool of retirees whose pension checks help stimulate and boost California’s economy. Members statewide also donated more than $750,000 in grants, scholarships and donations last year.  Division 33 also offers 11 $1000 scholarships annually to seniors planning to enter the teaching profession and awards 16 $100 “no strings attached” teacher grants to local teachers to use in their classrooms.

CalRTA highlights retired teachers’ contributions by celebrating Retired Teachers Week during the first week of each November. This year’s event, November 3-9, marks the 26th year the celebration has been held during the organization’s 95-year history. In 1929, as the country entered the Great Depression, a small group of teachers banded together to fight for retirement security. In addition to helping California’s educators, early CalRTA leaders went on to form other retiree organizations. One such leader was Ethel Percy Andrus who formed AARP.

“Our early leaders showed us what dedication, compassion and determination can accomplish,” noted Susan Dixon, CalRTA State President. “Today we’re trying to live up to their example as we continue our fight for retirement security while also giving back to our local communities and protecting public education.”

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Two teachers – Jessica Sotelo from West Valley High School in Hemet, and Heather Goka from Lisa Mails Elementary School in Murrieta – each received a $100 check from the California Retired Teachers Association State Teacher Grant program.  Then each teacher was pleasantly surprised when CalRTA Division 33 matched their $100 check with a crisp $100 bill, for a total of $200.   

Jessica Sotelo, who teaches AVID 11, and IB Psychology at West Valley, said, “I am so grateful to have received the STATE teacher grant. I wasn’t expecting our local division to match the state grant with another $100, so that was an amazing surprise! I plan to use the funds to restock my student supply/resource station with such items as lint rollers, Kleenex, band-aids, hygiene products, mints, and granola bars to provide to students if they need a snack during the school day.”

Heather Goka, a third grade teacher at Lisa Mails Elementary School said, “I plan to use the $200 for basic supplies like paper and markers as well as some new classroom decorations to make the room feel warmer and create a more positive learning environment for my students.  Thank you!”

Another four $100 teacher grant winners were randomly selected at the April 9^th luncheon meeting of CalRTA Division 33.  Nicole Hernandez, third grade teacher at Megan Cope Elementary School in San Jacinto, plans to put the funds toward improving her students’ math skills.  “Thank you for the $100 grant!” Hernandez said.  “I plan on using the money on math manipulatives for my classroom, specifically fraction cubes. Many of my students can struggle with the concept of equal piece and how a larger denominator means a smaller piece. These manipulatives will benefit them greatly. “ 

Teri Perez, who teaches Moderate and Severe Special Education classes at DeAnza Elementary School in San Jacinto, says, “Thank you so much for this $100 grant. I plan to use the money to buy some laminating materials, some incentives for my classroom, and Play Doh!  Laminating things allows reuse, incentives help my students remain motivated to work hard on their goals and Play Doh is one of their favorite items to decompress with. Thank you again from me and the De Anza Tigers!”

Tahquitz High School teacher Anne Rizzacasa, who teaches a wide variety of science classes at her school site in Hemet, says, “Thank you so much for the support. I will be using the funds to purchase an electric vehicle kit from Forward Education. The kit guides students to build computer science skills while addressing energy solutions to address climate change.”

Holly Baird, a Nuview Elementary School Kindergarten teacher, received the exciting news of her $100 grant on her birthday.  “I was super excited to receive this classroom money on my birthday!” Baird says.  “I plan to buy more ELA and math games and activities because I only have a few.  I also want to buy batteries for my voice amplifier. The kids are going to love this! Thank you!”

One of CalRTA’s missions is to support public education and awarding 16 $100 teacher grants to local teachers each year is just a part of that mission.  Division 33 also offers 11 $1000 scholarships to local high school seniors who plan to become public school teachers.  For more information about CalRTA, go to www.calrta.org or www.div33.calrta.org.

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Sue Breyer | CalRTA Division 33 Vice President

California Retired Teachers Association (CalRTA) State President and former Hemet High School teacher and coach, Ron Breyer, addressed 40 CalRTA Division 33 members at their recent April 11th spring luncheon at the Seven Hills Members Club in Hemet. Breyer described his experiences over his sixteen years in CalRTA as a Division member, Area Director, and State officer and explained how his perspectives changed with each office he held. From planning and participating in activities at the local Division level, to learning about the corporate fiduciary duties and state level operations at the Area level, to realizing the importance of CalRTA’s activities and efforts on the lives of all California retired educators at the state level, Breyer has refined and sharpened his perspective on statewide issues surrounding retirement, pension protection, Social Security fairness and legislation harmful to California’s educators.

Division 33’s luncheon program also featured the selection of three new teacher grant winners from area schools: Alicia Vaughn, Whittier Elementary School; Michael Abeyta, Tahquitz High School; and Sylvia Valencia, San Jacinto High School. Recipient names were randomly drawn from nearly 140 applicants from area districts for the “no strings attached” $100 teacher grants. CalRTA stresses that funds are intended for use in teacher classrooms, but teachers are free to determine how the money is used.

Alicia Vaughn teaches 5th grade multiple subjects at Whittier Elementary School in Hemet. She says, “I will be using the funds that I won from CalRTA Division 33 on positive reinforcement for my classroom. It is so important to reward students for positive behavior and academic excellence. I also want to shape the behaviors I wish to see more frequently. Everyone needs positive reinforcement, including adults!”

Michael Abeyta, an AP Spanish teacher at Tahquitz High School in Hemet, says that he “would use the funds to purchase Spanish phonics materials that will support the District’s goals towards literacy and help students acquire both the Spanish and English languages. Mr. Abeyta is also his school site’s World Language Department Chair, Seal of Multiliteracy Site Lead, and Hemet Teachers Association Representative.

Sylvia Valencia teachers 9th grade English and 10th grade World History at San Jacinto High School. When notified of her selection she said, “Thank you CalRTA! I am so fortunate to have been chosen. I plan to use the funds for Chromebook chargers for my students. Oftentimes they lose or damage their Chromebook chargers and I do not have one to lend them. This way everyone learns as a class and there are no excuses. Thank you again!”

CalRTA Division 33 will hold its next luncheon meeting on Tuesday, June 6th and will celebrate this year’s 2023 Division 33 $1000 Scholarship recipients. It will be a special time for celebrating the academic successes of these future educators. For more information about CalRTA Division 33, send an email to calrtadivision33@gmail.com or go to div33.calrta.org/ and click on “Contact Us.”

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