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The Carteret County Public School Foundation is thrilled to announce a groundbreaking grant to establish the Big Rock Teacher’s Fund, a transformative expansion of the successful Big Rock Teaching Fellows Program. This initiative tackles two critical challenges facing educators in Carteret County: affordable housing and competitive teacher compensation.

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The Big Rock Teacher’s Fund is designed to attract, support, and retain exceptional teaching talent by offering housing stipends to new Big Rock Teaching Fellows, helping them afford to live and thrive in the communities they serve. Additionally, the fund will provide Professional Development Grants to educators pursuing National Board Certification (NBC)—a prestigious credential that increases teacher pay by 12%, equating to an average of $50,000 over a decade, while elevating the quality of instruction for students.

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"Time and time again, the Big Rock Foundation has demonstrated its unwavering commitment to our schools and the education of our community. This grant is an investment not only in our educators but also in the future of education in Carteret County. We are deeply grateful for their continued support and partnership." - Erica Jones, Development Director, Carteret County Public School Foundation 

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As part of this transformative grant, $100,000 in professional development funding will be distributed to Carteret County educators immediately. The Professional Development Fund supported by the Employee Giving Program, and allows teachers to pursue certifications, attend conferences, and bring back innovative resources to enhance student experiences. Each teacher supported through this fund has the potential to impact hundreds of students over their career, amplifying the far-reaching effects of this investment.

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The remaining $150,000 will establish a housing stipend program to address affordable housing for new educators. With record low numbers of students entering the teaching profession nationally—citing low pay and high living costs as key deterrents—the Foundation is taking a full-circle approach to the problem.

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This initiative complements the Big Rock Teaching Fellows Scholarship, established in 2021 with Big Rock Foundation funding. The scholarship celebrated its first graduate, Molly Arnold, who began teaching at White Oak Elementary this fall. The three-year housing stipend program is designed to ease new educators’ transition into the profession, allowing them to focus on building their careers. By their third year, teachers can pursue National Board Certification, which provides a significant pay increase and continued professional development opportunities.

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The goal of the Big Rock Teacher’s Fund is clear: to attract and retain homegrown educators, walking alongside them every step of the way to build a thriving education system in Carteret County.

Together, the Big Rock Teacher’s Fund and the Big Rock Teaching Fellows Program form a comprehensive support system for educators, addressing financial challenges and promoting professional growth. This initiative is a bold step toward ensuring the sustainability of Carteret County’s education system and its educators’ success.

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To support the Foundation and it's impact on every educator, every student and every school, consider a donation or matching gift to the Big Rock Teacher's Fund