We support innovative
public education
Nurturing Teachers | Growing Young Minds
Transformational Investments in Public Education
Teacher Grants 2026
How Supporting BCPEF Impacts Our Community
Our Mission
The Bradley Cleveland Public Education Foundation (BCPEF) is a 501(c)(3) organization established in 2004 to partner with Bradley County and Cleveland City Schools to raise community awareness, gain financial support and enhance teaching and learning. BCPEF supports classroom instruction in 27 schools for over 16,000 students by bringing private donors and strategic educational initiatives together, providing funds for supplemental academic programs and targeted professional development not covered in regular school budgets.
The Foundation Journal
Support Your Community Through Public Education
Your support has a direct impact on the education of our community. Create a stronger, more impactful future through donating to BCPEF.
Donate Directly
Make an immediate impact with a one-time or recurring gift—every dollar supports local educational programs and student success.
Legacy Giving
Leave a lasting legacy by including BCPEF in your will or estate plan. Your gift helps build brighter futures for generations.
Payroll Deduction
BCS and CCS Employees can support BCPEF effortlessly through regular contributions from your paycheck.
News in Education
Siema Swartzel
Don Goff Professional Development Fund Recipient, 2026-2027.
Music Specialist, Arnold Memorial Elementary School
“I’m excited to bring a better experience for our students at our elementary schools. We are seven music specialists in our system who are diligent in bringing new and innovative ideas and activities to our students. With 5474 students between nine schools, we have the unique opportunity to “loop “ with our students each year and have the experience to bring new opportunities to our students through the gift of music. We have six years to know our students and aid them in finding their gifts, and encourage their ability and find their voice. I have watched students go from shy and scared kids into confident and intelligent young adults through the gifts that music brings.”
Terry Esquinance
Cleveland Middle School Educator
“Receiving the Lily Fitzgerald Award has been one of the most meaningful moments in my teaching career. It reminded me that what we do in the classroom truly matters, that teaching is not just a job, but one of the most important callings there is.
This award has reignited my passion for teaching and reaffirmed why I chose this profession in the first place. It has inspired me to create a classroom full of readers who are not only excited to read, but eager to share what they’ve learned. Watching my students discover new ideas, connect with stories, and find joy in reading again has been a powerful reminder of the lasting impact we can have as educators.
Beyond the classroom, this recognition has reminded me that there are still people who see the heart and hard work teachers put into what we do, people who want us to feel seen, valued, and appreciated. For that, I’m deeply grateful.”
Dr. Joe Parker, Principal
LEAD Fellow 2022–2023
Principal, Blythe Bower Elementary
“I am deeply grateful for the BCPEF LEAD Fellowship, which was instrumental in my journey from a classroom teacher to principal. It provided the collaborative network and hands-on tools I needed to work alongside our teachers and families to cultivate a thriving, supportive school culture. I proudly support this program because investing in our local school leaders is a direct investment in our students, who are our greatest hope for a better world.”