An Atlanta elementary school teacher is a finalist for a $100,000 national grant.

At the start of this school year, Emily Max of Atlanta Public Schools’ Toomer Elementary School was named one of 15 teachers in the country vying for one of six $100,000 Dream Big Teacher Challenge grants sponsored by Farmers Insurance.

Max proposed using the funds to build an inclusive playground that is accessible for students with special needs. The playground would include low structures with ramps, low monkey bars and balance-building stations.

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Superintendent Bryan Johnson listens to a speaker during an Atlanta School Board meeting in Atlanta on Wednesday, November 5, 2025. APS held its first vote on school consolidation plans. (Abbey Cutrer / AJC)

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Prosecutor Skandalakis has previously suggested that pursuing criminal charges against President Donald Trump may not be feasible until after he leaves office in 2029. (Craig Hudson/Politico/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

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