Daphne High School teachers Betsy Anderton and Priscilla Dabney recently received a $2,000 grant for their innovative teaching idea, "Biophilic Classroom Design."

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Daphne High School teachers Betsy Anderton and Priscilla Dabney recently received a $2,000 grant for their innovative teaching idea, "Biophilic Classroom Design."
Created to help alleviate the mental stress the pandemic has had on students and teachers, the "Biophilic Classroom Design" incorporates characteristics of nature into the physical learning environment. Indoor plants will be grown in two greenhouses and fields, and then placed in classrooms and hallways throughout the school.
Anderton and Dabney believe along with other benefits, the biophilic learning environments will engage students to study and discuss biophilic design and its impact.
The grant was awarded as part of Voya Financial, Inc.'s 2022 Unsung Heroes awards competition. Anderton and Dabney are the only grant winners in the state of Alabama.
"Educators like Betsy and Priscilla greatly influence and shape our nation's future leaders," Angela Harrell, Voya's chief diversity and corporate responsibility officer and president, Voya Foundation, said. "Their creative teaching methods and innovative thinking inspire and motivate students to reach new heights. For 26 years, through Voya Unsung Heroes and other education-oriented programs, we have supported educators who go above and beyond to enrich the lives of their students."
The grant is awarded to K-12 educators who display innovative teaching methods, creative education projects and the ability to positively influence the children they teach. Over $5.9 million has been awarded since the program's inception.
Anderton and Dabney are among the 50 winners in the nation to receive the $2,000 grant. They will now compete with other finalists for one of the top three prizes – an additional $5,000, $10,000 or $25,000 from Voya Financial.
To learn more about the winning projects, visit the Voya Unsung Heroes page at www.voya.com.