This project is part of the Black History Month celebration because it supports a Black teacher or a school where the majority of the students are Black.
My Students
The entire student population of my school receives a free or reduced-price lunch. Most do not have money for simple things like basic school supplies, book bags, and clothes.
If we're being honest: as a whole, urban public school children are largely overlooked, dismissed and underestimated.
Despite these obstacles, most of my students are, admirably, college-bound.
It is my goal to get 100% of my students to college, but without preparation, which they achieve through completion of my projects and assignments, they will be ill-equipped for the expectations and stipulations of college coursework.
With that said, I try and provide my students with literature, resources, opportunities, and technology that mirror those given to more affluent school districts. As a lot of my teaching style relies on positive reinforcement and the realization and strengthening of personal strengths and integrity; I strive to show my students that their worth is not dependent upon what school district or zip code they grew up in.
My Project
I'll keep this short and sweet: urban public teachers are some of the most underfunded, unsung and unsupported workers in America.
With that said, supporting my classroom (in every respect) is my own responsibility.
Now, about a month ago a donor on Donor's Choose selfless and generously donated to my classroom three fold out tables 9which have helped immensely in giving my students clutter-free and focused work space). Now, I just need chairs to go with those tables so that my students may sit and type the final drafts of the many essays and various writing assignments I assign them.
I teach American Literature (11th grade) and AP Senior Literature and these students (some of the most brilliant and hard working in the district... nay, the city) deserve the most fundamental of classroom supplies that, currently, they are not afforded.
And given that teachers in our district have received only the most minimal of raises in the last decade, I am unable to weather the cost of these materials myself.
Any help you can give will be greatly appreciated, both by my wallet and my insanely intelligent students.
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.
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. Harshman and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
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