A pair of Polk County educators have received Be Inspired Grants from Tryon Fine Arts Center.
In an effort to support teachers and creativity in the classroom, TFAC annually awards BIG grants of up to $500 each for arts-related projects to educators in area schools. BIG grants are distributed in Polk, Spartanburg, Rutherford and Henderson Counties.
Polk County Middle School teachers Eric Eaton and Kimberly Benson were chosen for BIG grants for the 2022-23 school year.
“We want to help the dedicated, creative teachers who might otherwise purchase educational supplies with their own personal funds or be unable to provide the arts experience,” said TFAC Executive Director Marianne Carruth.
BIG grants provide teachers with support for projects which seek to increase student achievement through superlative arts instruction. These funds are for projects not supported through normal school operating budgets. Proposals are evaluated by an independent committee and grants are awarded based on available funds.
Eaton’s project is titled “Quilting Carolina: North Carolina and US History Through Quilts.” Money will be used for materials to create quilt squares, incorporating math, art, and social studies.
Benson’s project is titled “Technology in the Band Room.” Money will purchase apps that will allow students to improve musicianship by practicing sightreading and receiving instant feedback while practicing.
