Abigail Wallace, Annie Spike, Alexa Ingle, Ashley Hunt and Debbie Raney

The team’s innovative teaching idea, “Social-Emotional Growth Through Innovative Technology,” utilizes Robokind, a proven social-emotional curriculum based on a multidisciplinary developmental behavioral approach that they plan to expand with the extra resources. Currently, with one robot being utilized at two elementary schools within the district, the curriculum has proven effective at promoting social-emotional growth for pre-K to sixth-grade students along the autism spectrum, and those who have behavior disorders, trauma experiences and intellectual disabilities. With the Voya Unsung Heroes grant, the team will purchase a second robot that can be used to travel among additional schools. The second robot will expand the technology’s positive impact, as more students will learn how to manage their emotions, practice conflict resolution and handle stress — skills critical to children’s success at school, in their homes and in the community.