When I was in third grade, I had an awesome teacher. Mrs. Gibson. How I loved her! She had a magical way of knowing what each kid was good at and finding ways to cheer them on. She challenged me and fueled my excitement for learning. I'll never forget the time she got so frustrated my class's shenanigans that she challenged us each to take a turn teaching the class. (Great alternative to yelling, don't you think?)
I still remember putting my hair up in a bun and donning a pair of fifties-style horned rim glasses so that I would look the part of a teacher. When my turn came, I got the giggles so bad that I'm sure I didn't teach much of anything, but I sure had fun. Do you suppose that's where the seed was planted for me to become a teacher? Maybe so. Thanks, Mrs. Gibson!
There's no doubt about it. Teachers change lives for the better. Every day. Did you know that teachers frequently spend their own money to get the resources they need to motivate kids and to make learning exciting and fun? As one of the worst paid professions in America--and one of the most important, I think they could use a hand! Teachers are doing all sorts of innovative things in their classrooms, and you can help them out!
Check out this fantastic teacher from Two Rivers High School in Utah:
So, how can you help? Adopt-A-Classroom is a nonprofit organization that helps connect donors with teachers to enhance the learning environment for students. Using their website, you can donate to Cassie Cox (the teacher highlighted in the video) or to teachers in your own local community. How cool is that?
Office Depot and Adopt-A-Classroom have partnered to raise awareness about teachers, and all that they do in the lives of their students. Here's how you can help:
How to Register Your Classroom as a Teacher
- Go to Teachers Change Lives website
- Click on the red box that says "Register Your Classroom," which will take you to the Adopt-A-Classroom website
- Follow the corresponding steps from there
How to Donate to a Teacher
- Go to Teachers Change Lives website
- Click on the teal "Donate to a Teacher" box, which will take you to the Adopt-A-Classroom website
- Follow the corresponding steps from there
Not everyone can afford to donate to a classroom. Donating your time is a huge help, too! If you're grateful for the teachers in your life, let them know by pitching in and helping out!
I'm so glad you stopped by today. I hope you'll think about how you can help in your community!
I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.
While you're here, check out some of my other posts!
Kayla
What a neat program! I recently read to 2 kindergarten classrooms, a 2nd grade and a 3rd grade all with activities. By the end of the day I was pooped! I couldn't do what a teacher does. Rock on teachers!
Heidi Fowler
Thanks, Kayla. Being a teacher is a great job, but it is really tough!!!
Shareba @ In Search Of Yummy-ness
This is a really cool program! I work with kids part-time, and I have the utmost respect for teachers who work with kids all day. It's not easy! And they really do have a huge impact on the children.
Heidi Fowler
Thanks, Shareba. I think it' s a cool program, too. Teachers definitely work hard!
Michele @ Flavor Mosaic
This sounds like a great idea! It is certainly needed. My sister is a teacher. I was shocked when she told me she spent over $2,000 this year of her own money on supplies for her spanish class. The school provided no books, not even for the teacher.
Heidi Fowler
Thanks, Michelle. Seriously? No books? She must be in a very underfunded area. That's crazy! She needs to get signed up on this website for sure!
Becky (So Very Blessed)
I love this! I work in education, so I get to see firsthand how much time, energy, and resources teachers invest in their students. They have to juggle not only difficult kids, but difficult parents and administrators, as well, in between lesson planning, grading, meetings, etc. I have such a deep appreciation for this profession!
Heidi Fowler
Thanks, Becca. I totally agree!
Jamie
What an amazing teacher, but I know there are so many more just like her. So many of us don't even realize that they are spending 1-2k out of pocket every year for our kiddos. Thanks for doing this post and showing us what we can do to help out a little!
Heidi Fowler
You're welcome, Jamie. She is an amazing teacher, and there are tons more just like her! Thanks for taking the time to comment!