Did you have a teacher when you were young that helped change your life? I had one, and to this day I remember enjoying that class more than all the others, learning more, and growing more. Teachers can change lives; that statement hit home about two years ago, when my son, who has cerebral palsy, moved schools, and I was finally able to get Caite into another school. They have both changed and grown, and it is because of their teachers. My son, Bud, has always been blessed with wonderful teachers, but his recent move helped him in ways we did not know were possible. Two years ago, he moved schools; the first 4 or 5 months were hard on him; he did not like the teachers because they made him work, and he was used to being pampered by his old teacher. Once he realized they were there to help him, and he opened his heart, he began to grow more than I ever thought possible.
My son went from 1 word answers (yes, no, okay) to telling me whatever he wants to say. He now tells people, “Thank you for coming to see me,” or another famous one is, “Mom, can you please get me pizza for dinner?” Every now and then he has to stop and really think about what he is going to say, but it’s not long before the words come out of his mouth. Our biggest problem now is getting him to stop talking.
Its more than talking; it’s his attitude; he is more willing to try and a happier person. His teacher also does special little things for them, which come out of her own pocket. Each Friday that they have a great week, she gets them all juice and another treat to take home for themselves. Well, Bud always wants to bring one home of his sister too, and his teacher now sends home two juices and two sweet treats. She doesn’t have to do things like this; she does it because it makes a difference. She also spends her own money on other things for the classroom if needed, and there are so many other teachers doing the same thing.
Catie, dear sweet Catie. She has been through so much in her 15 years, and every single day she manages to become a better person inside and out. When she was in 7th grade, the horrible teenager started to come out. She was hanging with people she shouldn’t have, and some other things happened, so we moved her schools. It took me a year to get her where she is now, and it was worth every bit of the wait. Catie was not happy with the move when she first learned about it, but that all went away the very first day of school. On the first day of school she came home; I do not remember the last time she was so excited about school. She kept telling us how awesome the teachers are and that it’s like family away from family. Everyone made her feel welcome. Here we are two years later, and this little girl is making A’s and B’s and is turning into the most amazing teen.
I don’t think she has one teacher who doesn’t care, who doesn’t try, or who isn’t willing to do anything to help their students, and it shows in my daughter. She is finally confident in who she is, and if she feels her grades are slipping, she is already staying after school with one of her teachers when we find out. She has a lot to look forward to and a whole lot of people who back her up. The difference between my daughter today and two years ago is night and day. When I think about everything these teachers have done for my kids, it brings tears to my eyes because, as parents, we can only do so much. Sometimes they need it from someone else who isn’t their parents. Catie told me it helped so much because these people didn’t have to care like her parents; they cared because they wanted to. These teachers have changed her life; she is not the same person; she is a more confident person with goals.
Teachers Can Change A Child’s Life! My son talks more and does more because of his teachers. My daughter is a different person, who is more focused on college and her grades because of her teachers. Something all these teachers have in common is that they care!
I have an aunt and a sister-in-law who are teachers—great teachers. They all care so much about their students and want nothing but the best. They too donate their time and even spend money out of their own pocket to make sure their students have everything they need. It makes one wonder: what would these teachers be capable of if they had more funding?
Teacher’s spend money every single year out of their own pocket, especially in underfunded areas. Teachers are going above the call of duty in the classroom for our children, and we can support them. Think about how far your $5 donation will go if 10,000 other parents donate something as small as $5.
How Can You Make A Difference?
Office Depot also has a classroom wish list focused on “helping classrooms shine, one list at a time.” If you are an Office Depot shopper you might talk to your child’s teacher and see if they have a wish list, you can also visit Office Depot here and search for a classroom wish list.
If they do have a wish list, not only will they receive the item off the wish list, but Office Depot will give 5% back to the teacher on qualifying items purchased off the list, 5% back to the school, and up to 5 % back to parents.
Learn more about the Office Depot Classroom Wish List Program here.
You can also make a purchase of qualifying school supplies, provide your child’s school ID when you checkout online or in store and the designated school will receive 5% back in credit that can be used for free supplies. You can learn more about Office Depot’s give back to schools program here.
Talk to your child’s teacher too; see if they have a wish list set up somewhere because teachers can also create wish lists at a number of other places, such as Walmart and Amazon.
Adopt a Classroom
One small act can create a big difference. Not all of us are in a financial situation where we are able to donate a lot, but if we were all to donate even $1 we can in fact make a huge difference. You can donate to Adopt a Classroom. You can find a teacher or school or simply make a donation. Adopt a Classroom has been in operation for over 25 years; it has adopted 300,000 classrooms, supported over 7 million students, raised over $73 million, and offered a number of ways to give. You can learn more about Adopt a Classroom here.
Adopt-A-Classroom is an amazing non-profit organization that helps to connect donors with teachers to enhance the learning environment of students.
There are a number of ways we can support our schools and teachers. Don’t hesitate to ask your child’s school or teacher either.
