Bethel Teachers Awarded More Than $43,000 in Grants

BETHEL, CT — The Bethel Education Foundation surprised over 20 teachers and administrators with announcements that their grant proposals were approved. The total pay out for the 2019-20 school year will be $43,335.

The grants will fund a range of teacher-inspired inquiry- and project-based learning designed to engage students.

Virtual reality-centered projects were particularly favored by the grants, with VR initiatives at Frank A. Berry, Anna H. Rockwell, R.M.T. Johnson elementary schools and the Bethel Middle School all receiving development funds.

Bethel High School will launch an Anti-Defamation League program called “The Truth About Hate,” increase student interest in reading through Audible book subscriptions, and increase an inclusive musical environment using laser technology.

St. Mary School will encourage reading with the Lexia Reading Program and add an engineering course from the Boston Museum of Science that brings real-life science activities into the classroom and encourages all students to become scientists.

Grants are paid for through donations from Bethel residents and businesses, as well as fundraising activities. Since 2007, over $461,250 for more than 134 teacher-initiated projects has been awarded.