Joann Crytzer purchased these items for her motivational store using her award.

Autism Society Mahoning Valley

Do you know of any great teachers in Mahoning Valley schools assisting students on the autism spectrum or with special needs? Are you an extraordinary special education teacher or intervention specialist looking to win a grant? You can nominate a teacher or yourself for one of the mini-grant awards from the Autism Society Mahoning Valley. The grants are dedicated to showing thanks to special education teachers and aides each year. Teachers from public and private schools in Mahoning, Trumbull, or Columbiana counties can apply and be nominated. Awards will be given in $500, $250, and $100 grants. HOW DO YOU APPLY? Applications are being accepted online until Aug. 15. Grants awardees will be announced in August and selected by the Autism Society of Mahoning Valley’s board of directors. Last year, Joann Crytzer, intervention specialist at Potential Development Program, received the $250 award. According to the release from ASMV, Crytzer used the funds to purchase supplies for the classroom prize exchange store. This project teaches her students about earning “money” and completing designated goals and tasks. For more information, call 330-333-9609. The Autism Society of Mahoning Valley revived this project in 2017 to show appreciation for the talented Valley teachers going above and beyond to support students on the autism spectrum.