Help me give my students access to their own copy of Just Mercy. I want to give my students an opportunity to learn about redemption reform in hopes of inspiring them to be advocates for themselves and others.
My students each have an Individual Education Plan and are considered gifted by the state. These students process information at a faster pace and are highly motivated. My classroom is truly a mixture of many cultures and races; these young intellectuals will be our future leaders. They enjoy learning in a creative environment and flourish when given assignments that require them to think outside the box. Many students are already taking AP classes their freshman year. Several of my students enter into various academic competitions and are highly successful.
My Project
This project is meant to inspire our minority students to make a difference in their community. I would use these books to develop a social justice unit for over 150 gifted students at White Station High School. My students would listen to a podcast interview with Bryan Stevenson while reading the book. In addition, I would like to take my students to Montgomery, Alabama to visit the Legacy Museum and The Memorial for Peace and Justice.
Students will begin by reading chapter 1 of Just Mercy.
They will learn how Stevenson's background and experiences prepared him to study law. Students will learn how Stevenson's decision to work directly with those at greatest risk impacted the trajectory of his career path. Students will learn details about individuals that have been treated unfairly in the criminal justice system and how Stevenson's experiences lead him to take his skills and put them to use through the creation of a nonprofit law center in Alabama.
Students will learn how the criminal justice system has failed to protect the most vulnerable and how Stevenson's knowledge of the law and community impacts those around him. Despite setbacks presented in court, Stevenson continues to work diligently to help his clients. Students will learn the importance of how to prepare evidence in court through reading chapter 9 in Just Mercy. After reading Just Mercy, students will have learned how the criminal justice system is broken and will analyze ways in which it can be changed.
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 Mrs. Newhouse and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
