“It's not about what it is, it's about what it can become.” ― Dr. Seuss, The Lorax
My students are a group of capable, curious, and precious children that love to explore the world around them.
I teach at an amazing elementary school located in a rural community. It houses Pre-K through fifth grade. It is a Title I school, with 80% of students receiving free or reduced-priced lunch.
My students are fabulous! They are in third, fourth, and fifth grades. My students have varying disabilities, but they are not "disabled." They are very capable individuals with a strong desire to learn. They are constantly exploring the world around them and astound me with their insight and curiosity. They are some of the kindest, sweetest individuals you would ever meet and they are so appreciative of everything they receive!
I also lead a group of 30 energetic girls in a GEMS club that focuses on STEM by encouraging girls to participate in math and science.
My Project
Teachers today are educating students for jobs that do not exist yet. How can I open up the door to Computer Science for my students if I haven't unlocked it myself?
Attending Pathfinders Summer Institute will provide me with hands-on experience and training through the Junior Botball Challenge course.
The training consists of a week-long intensive in-person professional development on the campus of Indiana University Bloomington from July 15-20, 2018. The project costs are all inclusive (airfare, room, and board) and are set by Pathfinders Summer Institute.
The Junior Botball Challenge course will provide me with uninterrupted, hands-on training. The summer training will allow me to focus on Computer Science without the worry of lesson plans, grades, or "normal" teacher duties.
This training will allow me to bring Computer Science back to my classroom and to an after-school club I lead. After completing the training, I will have the skills and knowledge to teach my students, through an inquiry-based program, valuable computer science, computational thinking skills, basic programming skills, and the engineering design process. All of these skills are vital for our students as they learn 21st century skills and live in a globally connected world.
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. Hembree and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
