Do you believe that teachers change lives? I do. Years ago, when we learned that something wasn’t quite “right” with Bryce and he was going to need more intervention than I could give him at home, we decided to place him in a Special Day Class preschool program. So much changed in those first couple years after turning three, and his first teacher, Mrs. Walker was a big part of that. I had such a hard time letting go of my baby, even if it was for only a couple of hours a day! But Mrs. Walker made the transition from toddler to preschooler so much easier!
Fast-forward to 3rd grade and Bryce is still attending the same school. Through the years, I honestly haven’t cared much who his teacher was, because he had an AMAZING aide who did such a great job of helping him learn. He made progress by leaps and bounds and was catching up with his peers rapidly. Sadly, this year we did not get Mrs. Linda (something I still haven’t quite been able to get over.) BUT, his classroom teacher has been outstanding. Mrs. Morgan has such unique ideas for her class. Before the year even started, she sent all the class parents a post card embedded with a video! It was so cool! You would just hover your phone over the card and it played this great video walking the kids through their new classroom, explaining the centers, and talking about what school supplies they would really need on the first day of school. I was so impressed!
Mrs. Morgan used this same technology with the class iPad to create an interactive art gallery for Open House this year. The students all had artwork on display, and each area had a video made by the kids embedded on the art itself explaining what style the art was, who they studied and how it was created. I can pretty much guarantee that the expense of creating those initial postcards was underwritten by Mrs. Morgan herself. I know when school first started, money was really tight for us, and I couldn’t afford to buy a couple of the requested items for Bryce’s school supplies. Mrs. Morgan sent me a note telling me not to worry about it and she had some extras he could use. I know she had those because she spent her own money to purchase them.
Office Depot and Adopt-A-Classroom have partnered to raise awareness about teachers, and all that they do in the lives of their students. Adopt-A-Classroom is a nonprofit organization that helps connect donors with teachers to enhance the learning environment for students. It helps with buying classroom supplies and providing funds for innovative ideas like the Interactive Art Gallery!
#TeachersChangeLives, and these students are proof. Watch as students express how much their teachers mean to them.
- How to Register Your Classroom as a Teacher
- Go to Teachers Change Lives website (https://clvr.li/1emq4KF)
- 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 (https://clvr.li/1emq4KF)
- Click on the teal “Donate to a Teacher” box on the Teachers Change Lives website (https://clvr.li/1emq4KF), which will take you to the Adopt-A-Classroom website
- Follow the corresponding steps from there
I’m so glad for the teachers in Bryce’s life that have taken the time to really get to know him and his learning style. Did you have a favorite teacher growing up? Was there someone who had a huge impact on your life? Have you told them? I know it’s always wonderful to hear that you are making a difference. Please help support these important people in your children’s lives and show them they are appreciated!
Nicole Burkholder
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Nancy says
As a former teacher I love hearing about other GREAT teachers and GREAT companies committed to supporting them. Wonderful post!
Emily says
This is such a great idea because I know that teacher’s jobs are such hard work and so frequently underpaid and under-appreciated. I’m surprised that the amount they pay isn’t actually more than $13,000!
Emily says
I was a teacher… before kids… so I know your praise for this teacher means so much! Sounds like you got a winner!!! Great post!
amy @ one artsy mama says
As a former public school teacher, I definitely know how much time, energy, effort, patience, and love teachers put into their jobs! Love the idea of this program to support them.
Nicole Burkholder says
I knew you were a dancer, but I didn’t realize you had taught school as well! That makes perfect sense. 🙂
Nicky @ Little Family Adventure says
This is a great article Nicole.It’s great that your son had a wonderful experience in school and had amazing teachers and aides. Teachers have a huge impact on our children. I have several friends who are public school teachers. Each spend their own money on their classroom and students. Programs like this can help give back to those teachers.
Nicole Burkholder says
Yes, I think it’s so great! I talked to his teacher today and she wants to get an external mic for recording videos in class.
Michelle @ A Dish of Daily Life says
There are so many great teachers out there…my kids have had several who have really changed their lives. A good teacher can mean the world to a kid! It bothers me that they pay so much out of pocket. We used to get asked to bring stuff at the beginning of the year here, and then our school district said they couldn’t ask…I am sure that meant more money out of their own pockets. So frustrating! I never minded getting that note home for what they needed in the classroom.
Nicole Burkholder says
Are you serious?!? Everyone expects to bring in supplies- at least the first day of school! There’s so much waste at the administrative levels. It’s a shame the teachers bear the brunt of that when funds run low.
Aunt Bee says
I got so emotional reading this post! I am so glad their are wonderful teachers like that for our sweet kiddos! But I hate that they have to pay out of pocket for so much stuff on such small salaries! What a wonderful thing office depot is doing! Thank you for sharing! <3
Nicole Burkholder says
Thanks for your thoughts. I really hope it’s a successful program!
Jessica (Savory Experiments) says
It is amazing how far education has come since I was in school. I teach college courses and am envious of the tools students have available these days!
Dana says
I have tears in my eyes reading this. Thank you for the kind words. Bryce is a wonderful boy with the sweetest heart ever! I’m a blessed teacher to have him in my class.
Yes, you and Office Depot are correct. Teachers do spend a lot of their own money for their classroom and students. It is great Office Depot sponsors this program. I will certainly be enrolling my class.
Nicole Burkholder says
You’re so welcome! I hope that this benefits the class this year, as well as in the future! If nothing else, consider it a pat on the back 😉