A grant from Chattanooga Gas provided fifth through 12th grade educators with tools to teach a broad range of traditional and clean energy topics during its 2026 Tennessee Energy Workshop for Teachers. The free workshop, held June 10 in collaboration with the National Energy Education Development (NEED) Project, brought together teachers from Hamilton and Bradley counties for a full-day program exploring the science behind the region’s energy sources. 

Officials said, "Collectively, the teachers will reach more than 12,500 local students in one year.

The event provided these educators with experiences and lesson plans aligned with state guidelines designed to ultimately empower their students to explore opportunities in STEM fields and gain exposure to the energy industry.  

"In addition to providing in-depth lesson plans on multiple subjects, Chattanooga Gas also gifted 
teachers supplies to bring back to their classrooms. Chattanooga Gas employees also shared their 
real-world experiences during a panel discussion designed to help teachers guide their students 
toward future employment."
 
Tiffany Callaway Ferrell, senior vice president of operations for Chattanooga Gas, said the program 
helps provide teachers with an understanding of the energy landscape, which is key to inspiring the 
next generation. 

“At Chattanooga Gas, we’re proud to partner with organizations like the NEED Project to give 
educators access to the resources and information they need to understand the full scope of the 
innovative technologies and energy sources that fuel our lives every day,” said Ms. Callaway Ferrell. 
“Providing grants for teachers to participate in this educational workshop is one of the most 
meaningful ways we can support educators, strengthen our communities and inspire our youth. Our 
commitment to being a citizen wherever we serve goes beyond providing clean, safe, reliable and 
affordable energy. It includes giving back to our neighbors.”  
 
This marks the second course in a series of educational opportunities Chattanooga Gas is 
collaborating on with the NEED Project, which started with last year’s successful workshop with 
students at Red Bank Elementary School.