My students need tables and chairs specifically designed to support different learning modes and a workspace that encourages active learning and collaboration.
When students walk through the door to my classroom, they know that something exceptional is about to happen. Expectations are high. They are safe. They are respected. They are a part of something. To their left, to their right, other young minds. Critical thinkers. Innovators. Hard workers.
Close your eyes.
Think back for a moment. Picture high school. The hallways, the cafeteria, the classrooms. Do you have that mental image in your mind? Do you remember the chairs? The desks or heavy tables you sat in day in and day out? Do you remember the cold metal arm that attached the desk to the chair? The metal rack under your chair where you put your books? That same desk/chair combo that you sat in, the one with all of the gum stuck underneath it, it's probably still sitting in your old high school. Some kid probably still sits in that chair.
I think we can do better for our young people. If professional athletes can play in some of the best facilities on earth, then our students deserve to learn in the best educational facilities. My students are extraordinary. I've never met more determined, committed, visionary young people. Excellence is a big part of all that they do. Their minds are the kind that can change the world. I want to offer them the very best work environment.
My Project
Now, envision the kind of learning space where innovation takes place. When you walk in, you might think that you just walked into the Google or Apple headquarters. The kind of forward thinking that goes on in places like this will transform schools and give students renewed vision.
With the combination of tables and chairs that I'm requesting, my students will be able to thrive. An active learning environment that will keep them engaged, optimistic, and motivated. With lightweight tables and chairs that are on wheels, students will be able to transform the classroom in seconds. No more bulky, noisy, desks being drug across the floor. Instead, they will be able to move from a lecture configuration, into small groups, collaborate -- then back together in a large semicircle for class discussion or a Socratic seminar. They can efficiently move their tables and chairs to suit the needs of a given task.
It's no secret that 16 major cities throughout the country have spent nearly $3 billion on NFL stadiums.
Fans can even watch the Jacksonville Jaguars from a swimming pool located at one end of their stadium. Imagine if we spent this kind of tax revenue on our schools? What would education look like? How much would our students learn? My curriculum already challenges students to think creatively and work collaboratively. Now, they need an unconventional and cutting-edge work space.
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Mr. Overley and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
