(Editor’s note: This is another in a series about the United Way of Sampson County agencies)

Each year, the many teachers in Sampson County Schools know they have a friend in whom they can turn, someone who will help them make their classrooms the best learning environments possible for their students.

For them, Friends of Education is exactly that, a financial supporter that, with the help of United Way of Sampson County and other individual contributors, ensures that teachers can purchase those little extras that make learning come to life.

According to Susan Warren, public relations director for Sampson County Schools, Friends of Education awards mini-grants to teacher each year, money they use for special projects, some that can be shared between grades or schools, others that are high-tech learning tools designed to engage students.

She pointed out that the group is organized with residents from each school district who come together and review the dozens upon dozens of mini-grant applications that teachers submit.

“Throughout the year, teachers will apply for mini-grants to get things) that the school cannot provide for them,” Warren noted.

For example, Warren explained that one teacher asked for a book on women’s history. Without the help of Friends, the teacher would not have been able to provide this to her students. Another teacher, Warren established, asked for a flip camera for her class.

“She wrote the grant, and she received her flip camera,” Warren said. “Had it not been for Friends of Education, these teachers would have to fund these special items out-of-pocket or do without.”

As an agency of United Way, Warren said the non-profit organization made it possible for $9,000 in grants to be awarded to teachers.

She pointed out that when SCFOE hands out funds to classrooms, the members try to make sure that the funds reach as many children as possible.

“They take a lot into consideration before they hand out grants,” said Warren.

One such teacher to benefit from this grant program is JoAnna Davis, a first grade teacher from Hobbton Elementary.

“I wrote my grant for a reading program called the King School Series,” said Davis in an interview.

She noted that this book series had 12 different levels and allowed for her students to advance their reading level up to second grade.

“It has helped a lot,’ Davis pointed out.

The elementary teacher established that in the past, she has had a problem with how to bridge her middle reading level students up to the higher lever.

“This system allows me to fill in this gap,” said Davis.

In addition, Davis can’t say enough good things about Friends of Education. In fact, she has applied for a grant from them for the last five years.

“It has really helped me get materials,” said Davis.

Katie Holland can be reached at 910-592-8137, ext. 136, or by e-mail at silife@myclintonnc.com.