Six EBR Schools teachers were awarded more than $29,000 in grants to support innovative, research-based instructional projects that provide direct benefits to students.
Established in 1991, the Deborah Rochelle Teacher Grant Program is administered by the Kelly Gene Cook Sr. Charitable Foundation. It provides funding for educators to implement creative classroom initiatives that enhance student learning and engagement.
The 2026 grant recipients and their funded projects are:
- Lionel O’Conner, Jefferson Terrace Academy, received $4,950 for “JTA TIGERS TALK Media Lab: Building Scholars Through Student-Led Broadcasting.”
- Tiffany Stafford, Southeast Middle School, received $4,998 for “Small Steps, Big Progress: Supporting Fine and Gross Motor Growth for Students with Severe Disabilities.”
- Iesha Smith, Istrouma Magnet High School, received $4,566 for “The Math Lab Initiative.”
- Philip Shelley, Scotlandville Magnet High School, received $4,996 for “Grow the Swarm.”
- Gemma Baisac, Tara High School, received $4,730 for “Words Without Walls: Lowering the Filter with Collaborative Stations.”
- Fnu Kamal, Liberty Magnet High School, received $4,970 for “Decoded: From DNA to Proteins to Us.”
EBR Schools appreciates Kelly Gene Cook Sr. Charitable Foundation’s longstanding commitment to supporting teachers and enriching educational opportunities for students. This funding provides meaningful resources that will directly enhance classroom experiences and student achievement across the district.
The district is especially grateful for its continued partnership with Deborah Rochelle, a former educator for whom the grants are named and niece of Kelly Gene Cook Sr., and Katy Pacelli, executive director of the Kelly Gene Cook Sr. Charitable Foundation. Their dedication to education continues to empower teachers and inspire student success throughout East Baton Rouge Parish.
