The Alexander City Outlook

BRHS teacher wins state APCO award

The interior of Charmaine Cureton’s classroom at Benjamin Russell High School will soon receive a facelift.

The ninth-grade algebra teacher was recently awarded a New Teacher Grant from the Alabama Power Service Organization.

“It’s a $1,000 award and it can go toward buying anything for my classroom,” Cureton said.

Barbara Johnson, who works with Alabama Power education and volunteer services, and Marshall Griffin, business office manager for the Alexander City and Dadeville offices of Alabama Power, presented Cureton with the award Monday at BRHS.

Johnson said the Alabama Power Service Organization awards 16 new teachers who have recently graduated from a public college and are now teaching at a public school in the state with a New Teacher Grant each year.

“This check was burning a hole in my pocket,” Griffin said before presenting Cureton with the award. “I thought, ‘I’ve got to get it to her so she can use it.’”

Cureton, who earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Kentucky and her master’s degree from Auburn University, said she began her academic career as an engineering major but fell in love with teaching after working as a tutor.

“It was fun to work with students and see that ‘aha’ moment when something they were learning clicked,” Cureton said. “It’s enjoyable to get that instant gratification. I could have just kept doing engineering, but teaching made me happier.”

Cureton said she has been thinking about what to purchase with the award money, but has yet to make any decisions.

Tammy Culbertson, BRHS assistant principal, said the school was very happy to have Cureton as a teacher.

“We’re very honored to have someone from BRHS receive such a prestigious award,” Culbertson said.

Marilyn Strutchens, professor of math education at Auburn University, nominated Cureton for the award and attended the award presentation Monday.

“She always worked hard in her classes,” Strutchens said. “She really cares about helping others.”

Johnson said the Alabama Power Service Organization started the New Teacher Grant program in 1995.

“We appreciate the efforts made by those who recommend students,” Johnson said. “Since the students are already gone, it takes effort to go back and choose those they want to nominate.”