To celebrate and support new teachers joining the Special School District (SSD), the Special Education Foundation (SEF) proudly sponsored a back-to-school shopping event in collaboration with Barnes & Noble at West County Mall.

Held last Friday morning from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., the event provided new SSD educators with the chance to shop for classroom materials and enjoy a warm welcome from the SEF team. Each teacher received a complimentary drink from the café, courtesy of SEF, and had the opportunity to enter a drawing to win a $50 Barnes & Noble gift card.

CONGRATULATIONS to Margaret Smith, winner of the $50 Barnes & Noble Gift Card!

This event was more than just a shopping trip—it was a show of appreciation and encouragement for those who are stepping into one of the most impactful roles in education.

SEF is committed to uplifting SSD educators who work tirelessly to support students with disabilities, and this gathering was a fun, meaningful way to begin the school year.

Meagan Harned, Barnes & Noble’s Business Development Manager spoke briefly with Kelsey, one of SSD’s new educators in this video short.

SEF offers a dedicated page on our website just for SSD educators, filled with valuable resources, program information, and ways to get involved. This hub makes it easy for teachers to access grant opportunities, learn about SEF-supported programs, and discover how they can support our mission of helping students with disabilities reach their full potential.

Visit the SSD Educator Resource Page to explore how you can partner with SEF and make a lasting impact in your classroom and beyond.