SEBA celebrates teachers during annual Shop with a Cop Teacher event

The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Employees’ Benefit Association (SEBA) is celebrating teachers throughout the county by awarding a total of $25,000 to schools during their annual Back to School Shop with a Cop Teacher Edition event.

San Bernardino County Superintendent Ted Alejandre will join SEBA Director Lolita Harper in visiting 12 schools to distribute awards. Teachers will use the funds to enhance their classrooms and instruction to keep their students engaged.

“This program is an example of what is possible when educational and community partners come together to create positive learning environments for students,” said County Superintendent Alejandre. “I am excited to see what creative, innovative approaches our amazing teachers will take this year.”

With their awards, teachers at Beattie Middle School intend to expand opportunities for social and emotional learning as well as promote equitable learning environments as part of Redlands Unified School District’s vision – RUSD 2025.

Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint Unified School District’s 2021 Teacher of the Year, Chris Rekstad, plans to support the newly formed Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics (STEAM) program at Valley Elementary School by donating the entirety of his award.

“I am proud of our great partnership with County Schools,” said Harper. “Teachers have overcome extreme challenges in the past year, and it is truly an honor to support them as they return to their classrooms.”

SEBA sponsors several Shop with a Cop events throughout the year. Students, accompanied by a member of county law enforcement, purchase school supplies and clothes during the Back-to-School edition. During the holiday season, the Shop with a Cop event gives students an opportunity to purchase gifts.

Last year, SEBA modified their annual Back to School Shop with a Cop event to recognize educators across the county for their dedication to students.

Valley Elementary School teacher David Domena was one of last year’s recipients. He used his award to create a pirate-themed week of learning which allowed his students to have fun while engaging with the Distance Learning curriculum and one another.

With support from generous sponsors, SBCSS and SEBA Charities continue to help teachers throughout San Bernardino County transform the lives of students.