This project is a part of the Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month celebration because
it supports a Latino teacher or a school where the majority of students are Latino.
My Students
Tests don't matter, right? Tests are stupid, right? Well, no matter what you think about tests, they do matter to these kids. And, quite frankly, to us teachers, too, even the ones that have been trained to believe that tests are stupid. The reality is, unfortunately, tests are everything today.
I don't mean to sound cynical; I am actually a really good teacher, who does not teach to the test whenever possible.
I have been teaching for over 30 years, and I know what is important to teach. Trust me! Well, I am not trusted. George Bush and 2001 changed everything. Now, children are rated via test scores, and that's it basically. Being an optimist, I do see some relief in sight but not for years. Meanwhile, my students must conform to this system that judges them on test scores.
Oh, and no funds are offered for this strategy. At my school, I can occasionally request a ream of paper (in writing) but usually I have to buy that. If I need something copied, I must walk halfway across the school and submit a request. It is usually copied within 24 hours, but not always. In order to see if the materials are ready, I must remember to walk across the school to the copy room (which doubles as the psychologist's testing room) those 30 minutes a day the room is open.
My Project
Do you see that teaching is a challenge? Not the kids. Believe me, they are the easiest part of teaching. But, in dealing with these restrictions, it's like swimming upstream. Why?
So, let's push aside all that negativity and move on to a couple of the "Angels of the 21st Century: DonorsChoose and you!
Your generosity can purchase me my own printer. It will be a cheap one but my own so that I can start moving with the current flow of the kids' learning. With simple things like paper, a copier, ink, post-its, colored markers (for color-coding) and test prep booklets, I can help these kids compete with their contemporaries in much more affluent school districts.
My city system is not ideal.
And, Mr Bush's educational edicts further burden it with no or little assistance. But, truly, a lot of really great kids have no other choice. You have the choice to help me, a good teacher, help them. Please?
More than three‑quarters of students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
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 Ms. O'Gorman and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
