A Walker Gamble Elementary School first-grade teacher will add a new resource to her classroom after being selected as a recipient of a 2026 Palmetto State Teachers Association Classroom Grant.
Chelsie Cannon received one of the grants, which are awarded annually through PSTA’s Reinvesting in Our Members Program to support educators and their students across South Carolina.
PSTA Director of Teacher Leadership Craig King surprised Cannon at Walker Gamble on Aug. 13 with the news that her grant application had been selected.
Cannon plans to use the grant to purchase VOX books for her classroom. The books feature a built-in audio component that allows students to listen as they follow along with the text, providing an independent reading tool designed to strengthen comprehension and literacy skills.
The resource can benefit a range of students, including emerging readers and English language learners.
“VOX books support literacy development, fluency, vocabulary growth, and listening comprehension while encouraging a love of reading in young learners,” Cannon said.
Cannon said the books will give her students additional opportunities to practice reading independently while building confidence and developing essential literacy skills.
“Ms. Cannon is committed to helping every student become a confident and capable reader,” Walker Gamble Principal Ricky White said. “This grant will provide her students with an engaging resource that supports their individual learning needs and strengthens their literacy skills. We are proud to celebrate this well-deserved accomplishment with her.”
The classroom grant program is in its fifth year and was created as part of PSTA’s Reinvesting in Our Members Program.
Founded in 1976, the Palmetto State Teachers Association describes itself as the largest professional association for educators in South Carolina. Classroom teachers make up about 90% of its membership.
The organization has no national affiliation, and membership dues remain in South Carolina. PSTA provides members with services and benefits including education advocacy, liability insurance coverage, legal representation and professional development.
PSTA is governed by a volunteer board of directors from across the state, with officers and district directors elected at its annual business meeting. The organization does not endorse political candidates but advocates on education issues before the South Carolina Legislature and other elected officials.
PSTA’s stated professional philosophy emphasizes putting children first, access to a quality education, local control of schools through elected school boards and educators’ ability to choose their professional association.
For more information, visit PalmettoTeachers.org.
