People often ask me why I commute so far away to teach when I could work in a much more affluent community closer to where I live. The simple answer is because I have never been a happier teacher than when I'm with my students. They make me smile, laugh, sing and dance, and challenge me every day.
There are five different primary languages in my homeroom this year.
The entire district receives free breakfast and lunch due to high poverty levels and there's no where else I'd rather be.
My Project
At the STEM Academy we teach with a focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics to provide our students with the 21st century skills they need to be prepared for their futures.
Currently, in the first grade we have 2 desktop computers in each classroom and 25 chromebooks to be shared among 100 students.
I am requesting five Kindle Fires with kid-proof cases so that they can be used by many students for many years. With these new Kindle Fires my students will be able to have daily access to technology including the ability to photograph and post pictures of their work on our class website, and research ideas for design challenges.
Some of our design challenges have included making candy delivery machines for Halloween and incorporating simple machines into the construction of a mini-golf course hole. This technology will also allow the students to be able to access great educational websites and apps as well as listen to fantastic literature. Technology in the hands of my students will increase their educational experiences infinitely.
Nearly all 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 Mrs. Hemstreet and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
