Utica Teachers Awarded Special Grants

Seven Utica teachers will be able to implement innovative projects in their classrooms thanks to special grants awarded by the Michigan Schools and Government Credit Union.

The teachers are: Hilary Speshock at Beacon Tree Elementary; Jill Erfourth at Duncan Elementary School; Christine Zatell-Holden and Laura Laban at Ebeling Elementary School; Michael Jenkins at Henry Ford II High School; and Cheryl Pietraszewski and Tracy Bigelow at Stevenson High School.

Fifty-seven teachers in eight counties in southeast Michigan won more than $40,000 as part of the Classroom Cash program.

In all, 57 projects were selected to receive grants of up to $750 each. The educators were asked to submit requests for funding for a variety of learning projects and the winners were those that received the most public support through an online voting process at classroomcash.org.

“As a Credit Union that serves educators, we are constantly in awe of the boundless dedication, creativity and passion our teachers give their students each day," Peter Gates, Michigan Schools and Government Credit Union President and CEO, said. "From building butterfly gardens to bringing innovative technology into the classroom, this year’s Classroom Cash Grant recipients have come up with many out-of-the-box learning opportunities. We strongly believe in the power of education, so it is our honor to assist these devoted teachers with their educational goals as they continue to enrich students both in and out of the classroom.” 

Applications from teachers garnered 25,000 votes from online users from nearly 40 countries. Site visitors and supporters of the teachers – including students, parents, colleagues, friends and family – cast votes online for the proposal. Voting occurred October 8-22. Awards were announced October 25.

MSGCU’s Classroom Cash Grant Program was open to all teachers in the eight county region in Southeast Michigan served by MSGCU: Genesee, Lapeer, Livingston, Macomb, Oakland, St. Clair, Washtenaw and Wayne counties, including educators serving in public, private, parochial or charter schools.