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This teacher needs your help!

Ms. Van Leesten from Richmond, CA is requesting books through DonorsChoose, the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.

See what Ms. Van Leesten is requesting

Culturally Responsive Books for High School Reading Engagement

Help me give my students leveled, relevant, and culturally responsive books for literature circles!

FULLY FUNDED! Ms. Van Leesten's classroom raised $1,189

This project is fully funded

Celebrating Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month

Celebrate Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month

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

Imagine never having your identity represented in your school's curriculum. Imagine being from an incredibly rich, vibrant and diverse community.

This fall, I will continue my work as an English teacher at a Leadership Public Schools in Richmond, California.

Richmond is the lowest performing large school district in California. I have the privilege of teaching bright and capable students, many of whom are English language learners. My students will be able to effectively write, read, and articulate their ideas, not only in the classroom, but outside of the classroom and within their communities, as well.

My Project

In Unit 1 of English 2, we inquire about diverse perspectives and cultural identity through looking at texts, media, and poetry. In my class, we are using literature circles as a way to give kids choice in the books they read, and it helps foster independent reading for students with different interests at different levels.

The books will be used to allow for students to read and engage with culturally responsive texts.

Further, having more books will also give students the option to take texts home with them in order to keep up with deadlines and adequately prepare for their literature circles.

Ms. Van Leesten Leadership Public School - Richmond Grades 9-12

Celebrate Black teachers and kids! This project supports a Black teacher or a school where the majority of students are Black.

Equity Focus

This project directly supports students at a historically underfunded school. Learn more about our Equity Focus.

This project will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

Richmond, CA View local requests

More than half 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

150 students impacted 4donors

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Expand the "Where your donation goes" section below to see exactly what Ms. Van Leesten is requesting.

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TEACHERS, FEELING INSPIRED?

You can start a project with the same resources being requested here!

Where Your Donation Goes

Where your donation goes
Materials Cost Quantity Total
Always Running: La Vida Loca: Gang Days in L.A. • Amazon Business $13.25 18 $238.50
The 57 Bus: A True Story of Two Teenagers and the Crime That Changed Their Lives • Amazon Business $15.26 14 $213.64
The Complete Persepolis • Amazon Business $20.49 8 $163.92
Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood • Amazon Business $8.99 12 $107.88
Rule of the Bone: A Novel • Amazon Business $12.84 8 $102.72
I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter • Amazon Business $7.39 8 $59.12

Materials cost

$885.78

Vendor shipping charges

 FREE

Sales tax

 $81.05

3rd party payment processing fee

$13.29

Fulfillment labor & materials

$30.00

Total project cost

$1,010.12

Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

$178.26

Total project goal

$1,188.38

How we calculate what's needed

Total project goal

 $1,188.38

2 Donors

-$1,188.38

Donations toward project cost

-$1,010.12

Donations to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

-$178.26

Still needed View calculationHide calculation

 $0.00

Our team works hard to negotiate the best pricing and selections available.

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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. Van Leesten and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.

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