By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
NEF Hits $100,000 in Teacher Grants Funded
Foundation closing out the year with its All in for Teachers and Staff Campaign
NEF Relaunch

This month, Newton Education Foundation (NEF) approved over $50,000 in grants to Newton County Schools’ teachers and staff, bringing the total investment in teacher-driven projects to $100,000 since spring of 2024. The foundation received twice the number of applications compared to fall 2024 and funded thirty-two grants across 16 schools. The projects will impact thousands of students during the 2025-26 school year. 

NEF relaunched in November 2023 and since then, has sponsored three teacher grant cycles at all educational levels. The grants are for teacher-driven projects that bring innovation to the classroom, purchase durable materials that can be reused or bring in educational activities that enhance learning. 

Gail Rothman, executive director of NEF shared her excitement about the announcement.

“It is amazing to see what great educators can do with these grants. Our grant committee loves reading the applications and seeing how applicants devise smart solutions to reach every kind of learner. This year we saw an increase in requests for more flexible style seating which is great for students who have a hard time using more traditional seating but is equally good for collaboration among students. We also made grants specifically to support Special Education including the NCS Special Olympics program and a coffee cart business that will teach business and life skills to students in SpED. This round of grants also had STEAM support, funds for high school seniors to prepare for their next phase of life and several projects that promote literacy. The grants really showcase all that is wonderful about Newton County Schools”. 

To celebrate the milestone of $100,000 in grants, NEF has kicked off its All in for NCS Teachers and Staff Campaign. 

“Here’s how it works: Make a gift to NEF of at least $20 and leave a note of gratitude for a teacher or staff person that made a difference in your life or your child’s life,” a press release stated. “NEF will post those tribute messages on a webpage and send the teacher who was honored a link so they can read it and feel the love! Then volunteers will deliver a yard sign to the donor so that friends and neighbors will know that the family who lives there is All in for NCS Teachers and Staff. This is also a great way for alumni of Newton County Schools to pay it forward and thank teachers they had who shaped their education.”

Michelle Jenkins, Newton County Schools parent and NEF Board Member, kicked off the campaign by donating to leave messages for all of her son Will’s teachers at the Newton County STEAM Academy. 

“Teaching can be emotionally demanding and underappreciated,” Jenkins said. “Taking the time to acknowledge teachers’ efforts sends a clear message: what you do matters. This campaign is such a great way to validate the work of our amazing NCS educators!” 

Founded in 2009 and relaunched in 2023, The Newton Education Foundation is an independent non-profit that puts community resources to work for children so they can achieve academic and personal success by removing obstacles, providing opportunities that deepen learning, supporting teachers and strengthening community initiatives. All donations to the All in for NCS Teachers and Staff Campaign will support another round of teacher grants in the 2025-26 school year.