Menifee Union School District (MUSD) teacher Vannessa Fowler has been selected as a statewide winner of the highly competitive California Retired Teachers Association (CalRTA) $100 Teacher Grant.
Fowler, a fifth-grade teacher at Táawila Elementary School, was one of a select few chosen from more than 6,000 applicants across the state. The award recognizes her passion for creating an inclusive and representative classroom environment.
Fowler plans to use the grant funds to significantly expand her classroom library with books that feature diverse
backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives.
“I’m passionate about creating a classroom where every student feels seen, valued, and represented,” Fowler said. “These books won’t just sit on shelves—they’ll be used as mentor texts during reading and writing lessons, conversation starters, and opportunities for students to share their own stories. My goal is for every child who walks into my classroom to find books that speak to them, spark curiosity, and help them feel proud of who they are.
CalRTA Division 33 presented Fowler with the grant at a surprise visit to Fowler’s class on November 12.
