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North Carolina's electric cooperatives
It's no secret being a K-12 teacher in North Carolina can be tough financially. The National Education Association (NEA) reports the state ranks 27th in the nation in teacher pay. Yet, many North Carolina teachers dig deep into their own pockets to fund creative lessons and projects for their students. One NEA survey found it isn't unusual for a teacher to spend more than $1,000 a year of his or her own money to supplement classroom instruction.
North Carolina's Touchstone Energy cooperatives created the Bright Ideas Education Grant Program to support teachers who go the extra financial mile. It's the only grant program specifically designed for North Carolina classroom teachers.
During the month of November, North Carolina's Touchstone Energy cooperatives and teachers across the state celebrate Bright Ideas Month. During the next few weeks, representatives from the state's 27 electric cooperatives will award more than $540,000 to the state's teachers for efforts that will enhance the educational experience for tens of thousands of students.
The Bright Ideas concept is simple. Any K-12 teacher with a unique instructional concept or project can apply for a grant of up to $2,000. Every classroom subject is eligible. Over the years, Bright Ideas grants have funded cutting edge lessons and projects in science, mathematics, agriculture, and the environment and have enhanced the instruction of many special education students.
Bright Ideas is a demonstration of the cooperatives' historic dedication to education and a reflection of Touchstone Energy's core value of commitment to community. Since the program began in 1994, North Carolina's 27 electric cooperatives have invested more than $4.5 million in 3,500 grants. In so doing, more than 700,000 student's lives have been touched.
Although students are the prime beneficiaries, teachers are reporting that Bright Ideas has also become an informal professional development tool. The possibility of earning Bright Ideas funding has motivated many teachers to approach lessons and subjects in new and innovative ways. Others view Bright Ideas as an outlet and incentive for their instructional creativity. And many teachers have gained professional knowledge and friendship by networking with other grant winners at award banquets hosted by North Carolina's Touchstone Energy cooperatives during Bright Ideas Month.
As a salute to the ingenuity of Bright Idea teachers, the electric cooperatives work hard to deliver grants in equally resourceful ways. It's not unusual for a professional athlete to present the award in a teacher's classroom before honoring the educator at a school-wide assembly. Teachers are also recognized at special peer meetings and luncheons. Many electric cooperatives make a point of distinguishing Bright Ideas teachers at community gatherings. And some Bright Ideas grants have even been delivered via hot air balloon.
The Bright Ideas grant funding demonstrates the commitment to education that NC's electric cooperatives have and the admiration for the educators who make such a profound difference in our children's lives. The funds the electric cooperatives of North Carolina invest in Bright Ideas return high dividends to North Carolina communities in the form of better-educated students taught by highly motivated teachers.
Bright Ideas grants are not only a wise investment in our children; they help assure North Carolina's future remains bright and innovative as well.
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