Berkeley Electric Cooperative announced nearly $10,000 in classroom grants to local teachers as part of its Bright Ideas program. The program supports innovative and effective classroom education curriculum that cannot be covered by traditional school financing. Individual teachers can apply for grants up to $1,000 while teams of teachers are eligible for grants up to $1,500. The majority of the money for the grants was raised through fundraising efforts by cooperative employees.

This year’s winners include:

Sara Hastings, Angel Oak Elementary – Arts Integration in Math & Science

Cassandra Cowdrey, Berkeley Intermediate – Jump, Jive and Jam

Kristie Williams, Dubose Middle – Special Education Community Closet/Food Pantry

Tom Beck, E.B. Ellington Elementary – P.E. on Wheels

Barbara Lucas, Miracle Academy Preparatory – The Train Ride

Dr. Michelle Norwood, Sangaree Middle – Science-y Solutions

Erin Buie, Sedgefield Middle – Sharkbucks Coffee & Tea

Deborah Bobo, St. John’s High – If You Can Imagine It

Teachers in public and private schools, K-12 in Berkeley Electric Cooperative’s service area are eligible to participate. Grants are awarded for projects in any discipline and are intended to help teachers within Berkeley Electric Cooperative’s service area produce a better-educated workforce. The grants are designed to help teachers introduce innovative teaching methods. Berkeley Electric has awarded nearly $60,000 in grants directly to area teachers over the last five years.