Mr. Rhett Franklin, a STEM technology teacher at Inglenook Pre-K-8 School, is the latest Birmingham City Schools educator to receive the One Class At A Time Grant.
Representatives from Chick-Fil-A and CBS 42 presented Franklin with a check for $1,000 during a surprise visit to the school last week. An interview with Franklin aired during CBS 42 News at 5 tonight (watch the segment here).
Franklin plans to use the funding to expand hands-on learning resources for the school’s STEM classes.
“This grant would allow us to purchase advanced equipment such as robotics kits, coding platforms, and lab materials,” said Franklin. “These tools would give students the opportunity to work on projects that mirror the challenges and innovations happening in the real world, fostering a deeper understanding of the subjects.”
He also plans to implement specialized programs and extracurricular activities, such as coding clubs, engineering competitions, and science fairs, that encourage students to explore STEM outside the classroom, and to procure professional development opportunities for teachers.
Teachers from Phillips, Woodlawn, Ramsay, Princeton, and Dupuy have won the grant during the 2024-25 academic year.