Education Council raises $26G for Best Bet program

PEABODY-The Peabody Education Council has raised nearly $26,000 for school projects this year.The funds will be used entirely to fulfill requests submitted by teachers as part of the Council?s Best Bet program.Fifty-seven projects were approved this year based on their level of creativity and innovative approach to education. To qualify, teachers must submit detailed plans including guest speakers, field trips, materials, etc., that are needed to make a particular lesson go above and beyond their every day method.?This program is something we really value,” said the Council?s Vice President Martha Holden. “It directly benefits teachers and students in the classroom. It?s probably the most important thing we do.”Donations from local businesses, community members, and the city are what make the program possible, said Holden. For over 20 years, the Council has been able to provide extra support for teachers beyond that of the school budget. More than $25,000 has been raised in each of the past five years.?We?re not meant to provide a substitute for funding,” said Holden. “It?s more that we hope to provide enhancements for (education).”The amount awarded each year depends on teacher initiative and the complexity of the project, said Holden. This year, requests from the Carroll School totaled close to $6,700, whereas at Peabody Veterans Memorial High School, only four requests were made for a total of $680.?We?re kind of under the radar a bit,” Holden said. “Everyone knows we?re out there, but they don?t know exactly what it is we?re doing.” Holden hopes that more teachers, especially those who are new to Peabody, learn to utilize the importance services that the Council is capable of providing.In addition to Best Bet, the Peabody Education Council offers the Guest Reader Program, where local business read to elementary schools; KidsVoting, which teaches students about their right to vote and the voting process; and several career guidance programs to prepare middle and high school students for the “real world.”?The thing that?s kept this group together is balance with the city, the (teachers?) union, and the businesses,” said Holden. “No matter what happens politically, we have a nice balance. We try to keep kids in mind and try to avoid the politics and go straight for what?s best.”Details of this year?s approved projects will be posted online at the Council?s website, (www.peabodyedcouncil.org) after the winter break. Projects are to be completed this spring.