The Chatham Education Foundation (CEF) is proud to announce its Fall 2025 CEF Teaching Grant recipients. From musical instruments and STEM kits to interactive literacy tools, Chatham County students will soon have access to a wide range of hands-on, engaging learning resources—thanks to the generosity of CEF donors. This year, CEF received 41 applications—a record number—and granted $20,000, plus an additional $1,800 from the Chatham Arts Council, to fully or partially fund 39 projects.
Educators from 15 of Chatham County Schools’ 20 schools sought out funding to enhance their classrooms and benefit their students. Exceptional children teachers requested flexible seating, garden supplies for a community garden, and hands-on cooking activities to promote life and pre-vocational skills. STEM and robotics kits will go to AIG classes, media centers, and clubs. And many literacy resources, including an online fluency program and interactive Spanish-learning platform, will be added to classrooms across the county.
“Our teachers have brought us such thoughtful, inspiring ideas this year,” said Brittany Sandefur, Executive Director of CEF. “These projects show what’s possible when educators have the tools they need, and we’re excited for the community to see what students will be working on.”
Here’s a look at a few of the projects being funded this year:
All-County Chorus
With support from both CEF and the Chatham Arts Council, Chatham Grove Elementary music teacher Katherine Galloway, along with music teachers at CCS’s other K-8 schools, purchased six pieces of music that will be used for this year’s 4th and 5th grade All-County Chorus. The event, last held in 2019, will be February 26 and is the first choral opportunity for many students, as several schools do not have established elementary choral programs. After the performance, all music will be added to a countywide library for future use.
Virtual Author Visits at Virginia Cross Elementary
Jennifer Mudd, Virginia Cross Elementary School’s media specialist, is treating students to three live virtual author visits including one from Peter Brown, author of the bestselling children’s book The Wild Robot. Each author will lead the students in a reading, writing, or drawing activity, and each visit will be recorded so multiple grade levels/classes can benefit even if they cannot attend the live visit.
Band Instruments at Bennett School and Horton Middle School
Grants to Bennett School and Horton Middle School will provide musical instruments for their respective bands. Bennett is purchasing a trombone for its middle school band and Horton is purchasing a saxophone. These school-owned instruments will expand musical opportunities while reducing financial barriers for families.
STEM Kits at Moncure School
Under the guidance of Moncure School’s AIG teacher Rob Newman, elementary and middle school students will explore hands-on STEM challenges with kits such as a solar car design set and a solar water distillation kit. These tools will promote problem-solving, creativity, and collaboration.
Grow lights for biology at Seaforth High School
Biology students complete numerous labs that require thriving plant life, so Seaforth science teacher Emily Zalewski is using her grant to purchase a plant shelf with grow lights. This direct light source will provide steadier, more reliable lighting than a classroom windowsill. Plants help students learn new biological concepts including osmosis, photosynthesis, homeostasis, and genetic variation.
“The passion and creativity of our educators never cease to amaze me,” said Dr. Jayme McPhatter, CCS Instructional Program Facilitator – Excellence and Opportunity. “These CEF Teaching Grants are more than just financial support—they’re a powerful endorsement of our teachers’ innovative ideas and their commitment to student success. We’re thrilled to see such a diverse range of projects that will spark curiosity, foster engagement, and provide meaningful learning experiences for students across Chatham County.”
None of these projects would be possible without the donors who believe in our public schools and the teachers who bring innovative ideas to life. CEF is proud to help make these projects a reality, and we are deeply grateful for the community support that fuels this work. Together, we’re helping build brighter futures for students throughout the district.
As the above are only a few highlights from our Fall 2025 grants, please follow CEF on Facebook and Instagram to see updates as teachers bring these projects (and lots more!) to life.