Thanks to the Alabama State Department of Education and the Dallas County School Board, area middle schools will receive a lofty grant that will provide professional development training for teachers among other benefits.

The grant, which totals $9,100, will be allocated between Keith Middle School, Martin Middle Schools, Tipton Middle School and Shiloh Sixth Grade Academy.

Dr. Fannie McKenzie, superintendent of Dallas County Schools, said this is the third year that area schools have received the grant, titled “Middle Schools that Work.”

“The grant will allow additional training in middle school concepts,” McKenzie said. “Things like differentiating instruction, teaming, those things that will advance curriculum for middle school grade students.”

The money will first be given to the Dallas County School System and then funneled into each middle school, McKenzie explained.

Schools can expect to see the grant money at work by the end of the year.

“We’re always excited about receiving assistance and support that helps to enhance teacher quality and the curriculum,” McKenzie said. “We hope this grant will prove beneficial for our local middle schools as it has in years past.”