Viki Ellis had a passion for education. On October 4, 2021, she died after a long fight with cancer. For almost 30 years Viki worked in the Minneapolis Public Schools as educational support staff, working primarily with special needs children on the northside. Viki was fond of the saying “it takes a village to raise a child.” As someone who graduated from Minneapolis Public Schools, Viki knew it was especially important that students of color saw staff in their classroom who looked like them. She believed all children deserved a chance to succeed, no matter their background or ability, and one of the most important ways to help students was to help the educators in their schools.
As an active member with the Minneapolis Teachers Federation and Education Minnesota, Viki had many opportunities for training and workshops to develop new skills and learn the latest research on helping students. While this training was important, it was not always available to all educators.
The Viki Ellis Memorial Fund will be used to sponsor an educational support person from the Minneapolis Public Schools to attend training at the National Education Association or American Federation of Teachers national conventions. The funds raised here will be delivered to the Minneapolis Federation of Teachers and Educational Support Professionals for disbursement.
As an active member with the Minneapolis Teachers Federation and Education Minnesota, Viki had many opportunities for training and workshops to develop new skills and learn the latest research on helping students. While this training was important, it was not always available to all educators.
The Viki Ellis Memorial Fund will be used to sponsor an educational support person from the Minneapolis Public Schools to attend training at the National Education Association or American Federation of Teachers national conventions. The funds raised here will be delivered to the Minneapolis Federation of Teachers and Educational Support Professionals for disbursement.
Organizer
Justin Ellis
Organizer
Minneapolis, MN