Denton ISD Partners with UNT Athletics, Honors Three P.E. Teachers with Gift

Each year, the University of North Texas Athletics Department celebrates and rewards Denton ISD teachers for their hard work, dedication and commitment to impacting young lives in the Denton community through the Extra Yard for Teachers program.

On Thursday morning, that tradition continued when three Denton ISD physical education teachers from Newton Rayzor, Borman and Evers Park Elementary Schools were surprised at UNT with checks for their P.E. programs.

Jenny McElligott from Borman Elementary, Mechell Mays from Evers Park Elementary and Lewis Hill from Newton Rayzor Elementary each received checks for $1,133.33. That money will go towards purchasing new equipment like basketballs, soccer balls and jump ropes, along with other items to enhance their programs.

“I am so thankful for the University of North Texas," Ms. McElligott said. “This is going to be really helpful. I think it is extremely important to teach a student how to properly move and stay active. It’s really important to be able to incorporate classroom learning into the gym, as well. We do a lot of math and spelling in the gym. When you incorporate learning with movement, students can learn and retain that information better.”

The College Football Playoff (CFP) Foundation is the community engagement arm of the College Football Playoff and works in partnership with institutions of higher education, sports organizations, corporations and nonprofits to support educators and improve U.S. student outcomes.

Extra Yard for Teachers is the CFP Foundation's primary initiative, which seeks to elevate the teaching profession by inspiring and empowering teachers. The Go Teach Project and Training Camp initiatives ensure school district’s are retaining a qualified and diverse K-12 workforce and attracting quality educators that students need in the future.

“Extra Yard for Teachers gives back to the community and allows our UNT student-athletes and the College Football Playoff Foundation to give back to all different types of programs, thanking teachers for pouring so much into these children,” said La’Ron Haywood, UNT Assistant Director of Student-Athlete Development. “Physical education is a major outlet. It allows students to focus on moving, staying healthy and being active.”