At Eisenhower High School, the Graphic Design lab is more than just a classroom, it’s a professional production shop. Led by Kristin Salazar, a 2022 Kansas Teacher of the Year Finalist and dedicated Career and Technical Education (CTE) teacher, the CTE Program thrives on providing real-world application. Mrs. Salazar received a Goddard Education Foundation Innovative Teacher Grant, providing her students another “tool” in their portfolios. Students are now able to see their vinyl projects, including banners, posters, signs, and door clings, through to the very end. With the addition of a grommet machine and finishing supplies, students are gaining the rare experience of professionally mounting, securing, and displaying their own works of art.
The impact of this grant is best seen through the work of senior Abi Carman. Tasked with creating a perforated door graphic for the USD 265 Tech Department, Abi didn’t just create the design; she stepped into the role of professional consultant to oversee the installation. From researching “tech” themes to navigating the back-and-forth communication with the USD 265 Tech department, Abi oversaw the project from the sketch board to final installation.
“This project helped me gain communication skills and taught me how to work with professionals to reach a final product,” Abi shares.
By bringing the finishing process in-house, students like Abi now experience the full lifecycle of their work, seeing their designs live permanently on USD 265 grounds rather than just on a computer screen.
The project also unlocked a unique mentorship opportunity with Officer Pulver, a USD 265 district police officer who brought his “pre-police” expertise from years of working in a professional sign shop into the classroom. Pulver has been a welcome mentor in Mrs. Salazar’s classroom, helping bridge the gap between classroom design and industry operations.
“Working with Mrs. Salazar's class has been incredible! Being a school resource officer is all about connections and problem solving,“ says Officer Pulver. “Not only am I making connections and building rapport, I'm also able to train the students with transferable job skills.”
The results of this Innovative Grant are already empowering USD 265 students. By eliminating the need to outsource finishing work, students are able to practice a level of professionalism as they produce industry standard products for EHS sports, events, and USD 265 grounds. Ultimately, this grant ensures that as Mrs. Salazar’s program grows, every student walks away with the confidence that their work isn’t just to complete a school grade, it is providing a real-life industry experience.
“There’s nothing like seeing a student start a job timidly and finish brimming with well-earned confidence,” says Officer Pulver. “I particularly enjoy when students step back and have their ‘I made that’ moment.”
Thank you to the generous benefactors who GIVE to the GEF and help provide opportunities for students just like those in Mrs. Salazar’s class. Your support and belief in the power of hands-on innovation empowers students to dream big creatively and graduate with real-world skills. Thank you for helping us turn “classroom projects” into professional achievements.