CCPS Foundation gives $96,000 to teachers in time for Christmas
Carteret County, NC
01/14/2025 01:06 PM

Christmas came early for 58 Carteret County educators who received surprise grants for professional development Dec. 18-19 from the Carteret County Public School Foundation

Many of the checks will cover the cost for teachers and education professionals to earn their National Board Certifications, which is a voluntary, advanced teaching credential that signifies high levels of teaching excellence. The cost for initial certification is $1,975, which covers four rigorous component

Education professionals that complete the certification receive a 12% salary increase, so it’s a big deal for teachers.

The grants are due to the establishment of The Big Rock Teacher’s Fund, which supports educators through funding for college, housing stipends for new Teaching Fellows, and professional development opportunities for existing teachers.

The monetary awards were made possible thanks to a $250,000 grant from the Big Rock Foundation, which helped the Carteret County Public School Foundation create an endowment that supports professional development. The grants given out this week totaled $95,595.

Representatives from the Carteret County Public School System, Carteret County Public School Foundation and Big Rock Foundation traveled to schools, surprising teachers with their awards.

Of the 58 grants, 47 were awarded to first-time applicants, while four were granted for certification renewals. Additionally, seven other professional development grants will fund initiatives ranging from exam costs to attendance to professional conferences.

Erica Jones, Development Director of the Carteret County Public School Foundation, said the initiative is an exciting milestone for the foundation and education.

“At the foundation, we believe that investing in our educators is one of the most impactful ways to shape the future of our youth. These grants are a testament to our commitment to supporting teachers at every stage of their careers. The Big Rock Foundation’s unwavering dedication and support of education in Carteret County has been nothing short of extraordinary, and their belief in our vision has enabled us to make this initiative a reality,” she said.

“Every grant awarded represents not just financial support but a message to our educators: We see you, we believe in you, and we are here every step of the way. Sharing this great news in surprise school visits just before the holidays feels like the perfect way to spread Christmas cheer and recognize the incredible work our teachers do every day.”

Perry Harker, Board Chair of the Carteret County Public School Foundation, said, “The investment of $95,000 across 58 grants for teacher professional development, made possible through the generous support of the Big Rock Foundation, underscores our shared commitment to empowering educators, fostering innovative teaching practices, and enhancing student success. By supporting our teachers, we invest directly in the future of our students, schools, and community.”

Recipients of grants at Morehead City Elementary and Morehead City Middle School said they were thrilled to receive the grants.

Morehead City Middle School English language arts teacher Kimberly Caister said she attempted to complete her National Board Certification a few years ago, but the COVID-19 pandemic halted her process. So, getting the unexpected cash to complete the credential was especially sweet.

“I had almost finished all of my components, but I needed kids in the classroom, so I couldn’t finish,” she said. “I really feel like a kid at Christmas receiving this.”

Morehead City Elementary School fourth-grade teacher Kelly Riley, in her 28th year of teaching, too, said the grant felt like a Christmas gift.

“This is a goal I set for myself, and with this support, I feel like now is the time,” Riley said.

Morehead City Elementary School fourth-grade teacher Lori Johnson said, “I’m so excited. I’ve wanted to do this for a long time, but now is the time.”

Jones said to ensure the funds were distributed effectively, all employees of Carteret County Public Schools were invited to fill out an interest form to apply for professional development grants in October. Applicants and requests were vetted through a five-step process overseen by the Foundation’s Grants Committee. Criteria included supervisor endorsements and district approval to ensure the funded opportunities benefit students and schools in addition to the teachers themselves.

The Foundation’s Employee Giving Program, which launched in September this year, also plays a role in this initiative, with funds being set aside to support grants throughout the year along with matching donations. The program allows staff to invest in their colleagues’ professional growth, demonstrating a community-wide commitment to educational excellence.

Jones thanked the Big Rock Foundation and its Board of Directors for making the grants possible.

“When we shared our vision for supporting educators in Carteret County, the Big Rock Foundation embraced it wholeheartedly. Their partnership is a testament to their commitment to improving education and enriching our community,” she said.

The Carteret County Public School Foundation is dedicated to empowering educators and enriching the lives of students by bridging gaps in educational funding. The foundation works with individuals and companies locally to provide programs like Staff and Student Crisis Assistance, Big Rock Teaching Fellows Program, manages grants for annual distribution to seniors and The Big Rock Teacher’s Fund. To date the foundation has invested $2.7 million into schools and education across the county.

Companies and individuals who would like to invest in this effort can contact Jones, at Erica@ccpsfoundation.com.

For more information about the foundation and its initiatives, visit www.ccpsfoundation.com or follow them on social media at @ccpsfoundatio


Reference
Erica Jones
9793249567
 
Powered By CC-Assist.NET