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
My students represent a culturally diverse community. The pandemic has caused gaps and discontinuity in education, social-emotional well-being, and equity for students. Their learning environments have varied this year, and reintegrating them into a traditional classroom to engage in science experiences will take time. In order to promote engagement in these real-world science experiences and reintegrate students into the classroom, it is my goal for the 2021-22 school year to create equitable and flexible spaces for students.
In my district, one of our pillar statements is to promote equity in our schools: “In District 26, equity is cultivating a responsive community that commits to providing access, participation and opportunities for all members to ensure success and being valued.” Now more than ever, this pillar statement resonates with me given the circumstances of the pandemic and its impact on student achievement, motivation, and socialization.
I believe creating these safe, equitable spaces in my classroom is a crucial and necessary step in welcoming back my students. If students feel comfortable learning in my science classroom, they will be more likely to engage in the content and in socialization with their peers. Many have lacked this type of socialization this school year.
My Project
My students would greatly benefit from utilizing the empty space in the front of my classroom with flexible seating options. The school science classrooms have rigid seating, and providing additional seating options such as cushions and stools creates more spaces for engagement in addition to a more welcoming classroom. Additional seating options provide students with the choice to decide what they need. For example, I plan on using the saucer chair as a space for students to celebrate each others’ success. Each day, students will elect a different classmate to use the chair during class, until every student has had the opportunity. This allows students to recognize the needs of others and reward them for progress and successes while cultivating respect.
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
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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 Ms. Dominguez and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
