Grantee Highlight: Empowering Educators, elevating Classrooms

Behind every successful student is a dedicated teacher with a vision. Through our Scholarships and Educator Grants program, we are proud to provide the direct funding teachers need to turn innovative ideas into life-changing classroom realities.

This month, we are focusing our spotlight on two extraordinary recipients of Langley Federal Credit Union's teacher grants which cover Langley's entire service footprint, stretching from Hampton Roads and Richmond into North Carolina. While these projects target two entirely different sides of the educational ecosystem—one anchoring core academic literacy and the other fueling physical wellness and social inclusion—both are absolutely critical to building a complete, healthy, and successful student experience. ​

The Academic Pillar: Sparking Literacy at Banks Road Elementary School
A vital side of the educational experience is keeping students academically engaged outside of standard school hours. At Banks Road Elementary (located in Willow Springs, NC) Librarian Laura Lumb used a Langley Teacher Grant to offer reading as a fun way to fill this “track-out time gap,” and in doing so, creating a new community celebration. She leveraged her grant to 

​engage enthusiastic local business partnerships, and they proved that literacy flourishes when reading is a fun community experience. As shown in the graphic above, this creative approach achieved incredible results:

• 48 students (and counting!) received a brand-new book directly from the school's book vending machine, completely funded by the Langley Teacher Grant.
• 250 sweet treats were distributed during track-out reading challenges to motivate readers courtesy of local community partners Chick-fil-A and Culver's. 
• 114 kids enjoyed a special breakfast alongside Deacon, the school’s beloved therapy reading dog, supported by the PTA and Food Lion.

PEPI leaders make a positive impact in their community through teamwork, fun activities and acts of kindness. The PEPI leaders shown here as they gathered to support amazing Wake County Public School System elementary athletes.

​The Physical Pillar: Leading with Inclusion at Heritage High School in Wake County, NC

Education extends far beyond textbooks; developing leadership, empathy, and physical health is just as essential to a student's growth. At Wake County’s Heritage High School in North Carolina, Jenifer Shepstead (Coach Shep) utilized her Langley Teacher Grant to champion this side of the student experience through the Physical Education Peer Education program—officially abbreviated as PEPI to emphasize the peer instruction at the heart of the course. The PEPI program is a popular year-long elective course for upperclassmen that trains students in leadership, lesson planning, and child development. Students in the PEPI program gain hands-on experience and build community connections through two primary avenues: 
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​Physical Education Peer Education program--officially abbreviated as PEPI to emphasize the peer instruction at the heart of the course. The PEPI program is a popular year-long elective course for upperclassmen that trains students in leadership, lesson planning, and child development Students in the PEPI program gain hands-on experience and build community connections through two primary avenues: 

• Community Engagement: Students visit local elementary schools to assist teachers in creating lesson plans and leading physical education activities for younger children.
• Special Education Integration: Students work as peer mentors and aides in high school special education classrooms, helping students with physical or intellectual disabilities participate in inclusive gym classes and sports activities.

​"Thanks to your grant, we were able to purchase supplies for these activities, support our annual Special Olympics event, and provide materials for inclusive holiday crafts and celebrations. Your support has made a meaningful impact on our students and the communities we serve." — Jenifer Shepstead, M.Ed., Heritage High School

These distinct yet equally vital classroom projects are made possible through targeted, specialized funds designed to support K-12 educators right where they are:

• Langley Teacher Grants: Established by Langley Federal Credit Union, providing $500 grants to up to 50 teachers across Hampton Roads (30 grants), Richmond (10 grants), and Raleigh (10 grants) to launch or sustain innovative classroom projects.
• Patricia Barresi Elementary Educational Teacher Grant: Supporting creative elementary school educators at B.C. Charles, Hilton, Katherine G. Johnson, and Stoney Run Elementary Schools in Newport News, VA.
• Kenneth Leary Taylor Teacher Grant: Dedicated entirely to fueling the work of science educators (elementary through high school) serving the Virginia Peninsula.

These grants do far more than just fund projects; they empower creative educators to spark innovation, cultivate empathy, and open doors to new possibilities for their students. By investing simultaneously in academic excellence and inclusive, holistic development, these targeted funds ensure that schools can nurture both the mind and the heart. Ultimately, when we equip teachers with the resources to address every facet of a child's growth, we aren't just transforming individual classrooms—we are building a stronger, more supportive community where every student has the opportunity to thrive.

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