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Education Foundation awards first teacher scholarships

An excellent education starts with excellent teachers. That’s why the Fayette County Education Foundation is helping three outstanding paraprofessionals pursue their goal of becoming a certified teacher.

Susan Campbell of North Fayette Elementary, Tasha Freeman of Hood Avenue Primary and Melissa Anne Puckett of Robert J. Burch Elementary are the inaugural recipients of the first education scholarships provided by the foundation. Each scholarship is worth $500.

The overall goal of the Fayette County Education Foundation is to enhance the learning experience for all Fayette students. Since 2002, the foundation has been enhancing learning by offering teacher minigrants to fund innovative classroom projects and programs that otherwise would not have received funding due to budget constraints. Now the foundation is helping those who are dedicating their careers to the teaching profession by offering scholarships to help offset the cost of earning an education degree.

The selection of recipients is competitive. Each applicant is required to explain why he or she wants to enter the teaching profession. Recommendations from the applicant’s principal and direct supervisor are also part of the application process.

In order to be eligible for consideration, applicants must be employed by the school system, enrolled and taking courses at an accredited college or university, and returning to work in the school system for the 2005-2006 academic year.

Funding for the scholarships was made possible from donations by local businesses and individuals throughout the year. The foundation is a cooperative effort of the Fayette County Chamber of Commerce and the school system. It is incorporated as a non-profit 501 C 3 Georgia Corporation so donations are tax deductible.

Since the foundation has very few overhead costs, approximately 90 percent of every dollar donated directly goes toward funding teacher minigrants and scholarships for employees who are working toward earning a degree in education. Minigrants and scholarships are awarded each spring.

A board of directors comprised of business leaders, community members, teachers, school board members and school system administrators oversee the operation of the foundation.

For more information on the Fayette County Education Foundation, or how to become a supporter of the foundation, call the Fayette County Board of Education, 770-460-3535, ext. 122.