Strengthening
Tuscaloosa Schools Through Community and Innovation

Teacher Grants

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CATHY WOOD, Executive Director
Freedom Farms

“Education has been a priority in my life since I was a little girl. My mother was a dedicated educator, and my dad believed that education was a KEY to a successful life. As a result, I became a teacher and enjoyed it for 28 years.

When asked, I gladly accepted the invitation to join Dad and serve as a member of the Tuscaloosa Education Foundation. Together, along with other dedicated board members, it has been exciting to observe individuals and businesses respond as we blitz our community with new ideas and opportunities to support Tuscaloosa City and Tuscaloosa County children and their schools. As a former teacher, I recognize the many needs of children including Pre-K through high school, entitled and disadvantaged. It is a privilege to serve with others as this foundation continues to break new ground and provide for ALL CHILDREN in our community!”

DR. ANNE WITT
Strings in Schools Founder

“The Strings in Schools program was started through contributions from the Tuscaloosa Education Foundation.

Community members and business made their donations to TEF, and these became the foundation for the new program, which began in 2005. There are now six full time teachers, and over 1,200 students have learned to play string instruments in daily school classes. Now I am proud to serve on the TEF Board to help with education needs in other areas.”

DR. CHARLES NASH
Retired Vice Chancellor for the UA System

“Community-based education foundations serve as excellent vehicles for helping school districts and schools better serve the needs of their students and their families by providing resources that supplement the teaching-learning process.

The development of the Tuscaloosa Education Foundation creates an opportunity for all of us to become a part of that support system in our community. Children, teachers, and other school staff benefit from the generosity expressed by donors to the Foundation. And, you are invited to be an active supporter of our children through gifts to the Tuscaloosa Education Foundation.”

DONNY JONES, COO
Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama

“We look at economic and community development as a whole and constantly work to find ways that will inspire, support, and enhance educational opportunities. We must utilize our greatest asset, our students, in building strong workforce for the future of West Alabama.

Working with Tuscaloosa Education Foundation has been very rewarding and I truly appreciate the importance they put into leveraging resources to develop and grow the necessary creative education experience for our K-12 pipeline that ensure our community continues to grow and prosper. Building strong relationships is vital to our success as a vibrant community and the TEF is a centerpiece when it comes to bringing partners together. TEF has been a great partner with The Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama, West Alabama Works and our city and county school systems to ensure we build a brighter future for our children and those who call West Alabama their home.”

Together for Tomorrow’s Classrooms

Our Mission

Every student deserves access to a high-quality, equitable education—regardless of their zip code. With your support, we have the power to transform classrooms, inspire teachers, and open doors for students across Tuscaloosa.

Learn More About TEF

Our Board

Our Board of Directors is made up of dedicated community leaders who share a passion for education and a commitment to the future of Tuscaloosa.

Meet Our Board

Our Schools

From early learners to high school seniors, our work reaches every corner of the classroom experience—enhancing educational opportunities, empowering teachers, and fostering academic success.

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Our Awards & Grants

Through our grants and awards, we recognize outstanding educators, fund innovative classroom ideas, and support students facing financial barriers to opportunity.

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