Grow Your Own Educator Fund Awards First Round of Grants to Strengthen Local Education Workforce

Funding supports 15 educators across Routt County pursuing advanced degrees and teaching licenses to further careers

(STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, CO — December 3, 2025) — The Yampa Valley Community Foundation (YVCF), in partnership with Routt County’s school districts, is proud to announce the first round of awards from the “Grow Your Own" Routt County Educator Advancement and Recruitment Fund, a collaborative initiative helping local current and aspiring educators advance their careers in education.

Fifteen educators from the Steamboat Springs School District, North Routt Community Charter School, Hayden School District, and South Routt School District have received individual awards ranging from $2,500 to $7,500 to support their continued education. The total amount of funding for Grow Your Own Educator recipients is $77,373. 

“This fund is a great example of what we can achieve when our community comes together to solve challenges,” said Traci Hiatt, Director of Philanthropy at YVCF. “By investing in local educators, we’re strengthening the workforce that supports our students and families every day. This collaboration across school districts reflects the spirit of what YVCF stands for—being a convener that brings people together to create lasting impact.”

Empowering Local Educators to Grow

The first round of Grow Your Own Educator recipients represents a wide range of career stages, experiences, and goals, and a shared commitment to serving Routt County students. Featured recipients include: 

• Maddy Rodriguez, the districtwide behavior technician for Steamboat Springs School District, is pursuing a master’s degree in special education with a concentration in behavioral analysis to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and fill a critical need in local schools.
   
• JoEllen Heydon, a longtime Steamboat resident and Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant for the Steamboat Springs School District, is earning her master’s degree to become a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist, allowing her to diagnose and communicate directly with families.
   
• Bill Felton, a full-time building substitute teacher at Sleeping Giant School, is a former tech start-up professional pursuing a master’s in curriculum development and teacher licensure after discovering a passion for education while volunteering in his daughter’s classroom.
   
• Scott Przymus, school counselor and head football coach at Steamboat Springs High School, is pursuing a dual master’s degree in mental health and psychology, enabling him to better assist young people navigating life’s challenges.
   
• Isabel Siemon-Carome, an English teacher at Soroco High School, is earning her alternative teaching license after a career in outdoor education and curriculum design, where she has found renewed purpose in the classroom and a deeper connection to her local community.
   
• Haley Redding, a physical education and health teacher at North Routt Community Charter School, is earning her alternative teaching license through the NW BOCES program. Originally from Minnesota, she found her passion for education working with students in after-school programs and is now thriving as a full-time teacher.

Click here to read the extended blog post featuring more about all our recipients: First Round of Grow Your Own Educator Fund Awards to Strengthen Local Education Workforce. 

Launched in May of this year with an initial $50,000 gift matched by additional donations from community members, the Grow Your Own Educator Fund helps local school districts recruit and retain high-quality educators by providing financial assistance to staff pursuing professional credentials, licensure, or advanced degrees.

Steamboat Springs School District anticipates a significant number of teacher retirements within the next three to five years. To prepare for this transition, the fund represents a proactive, community-driven investment in both current and future educators. By supporting local teachers in advancing their careers, the community is taking thoughtful steps to ensure a strong, stable workforce for years to come.

“This program allows us to invest in our people,” said Dr. Celine Wicks, Superintendent of the Steamboat Springs School District. “We have incredible staff already serving our students every day. Supporting their continued education not only strengthens our workforce but also enhances the learning experiences and support we can offer our students. We anticipate that this successful first round of applicants will encourage more staff to apply, increasing demand for this program.”

The Grow Your Own Educator Fund was established in partnership with five public school entities in Routt County: Steamboat Springs School District, Hayden School District, South Routt School District, North Routt Community Charter School, and Steamboat Montessori. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to long-term sustainability in education.

Applications for Grow Your Own Educator funding are open and reviewed on a rolling basis. Click here to fill out a Grow Your Own Educator application. Applicants must be currently employed by one of the Routt County public school entities.

Employees who receive Grow Your Own funding commit to serving in their district for at least three years, ensuring a strong return on investment for local schools and students.

Donations to the Grow Your Own Educator Fund are tax-deductible and can be made directly to the Yampa Valley Community Foundation.

Give online at www.yvcf.org/donate/groweducators, or mail checks to:

Yampa Valley Community Foundation
348 Oak Street
Steamboat Springs, CO 80487
(Please note “Grow Your Own Educator Fund” in the memo line.)

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The Yampa Valley Community Foundation believes in a thriving and connected Yampa Valley where there are opportunities and resources for all. We lead transformational change throughout the Yampa Valley by engaging donors in purposeful philanthropy, empowering local nonprofit organizations, inspiring impactful grantmaking, and collaborating to build vibrant communities.

Media Contacts:
Laura Milius, Director of Communications
Steamboat Springs School District
lmilius@ssk12.org. 

Jenny Campbell, Scholarship Program Manager and Communications Coordinator
Yampa Valley Community Foundation
jenny@yvcf.org