{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"National Teachers Academy","outOfStateSupporters":30.8,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8330426,"projectId":8402057,"letterContent":"I can't thank you enough for contributing to this project. I am lucky to have so many insatiable readers in my classroom, and it is a challenge - the good, no, the best kind of challenge - to consistently put books in front of them that they wish to read. \r\n\r\nThis the key, I have now come to learn across my career as a teacher - to put books in front of kids that they want to read. Choice is such an important piece of this. Yes, during our daily lessons, there are books that kids need to read. So, it is extra important to also give them time during the learning day to read books they want to read. \r\n\r\nAgain, thank you for making that happen!","fullyFundedDate":1722021109644,"projectUrl":"project/book-wishes-for-the-end-of-the-year/8402057/","projectTitle":"Book Wishes for the End of the Year","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. G.","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8330426_orig.png?crop=718,718,x0,y19&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1662930072594","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mr-golwitzer"},{"teacherId":999639,"projectId":10258801,"letterContent":"Thank you for your incredible generosity in supporting my 6th grade classroom. Your donation of bookshelves, book bins, and storage organizers helped create a learning environment where students could easily access books and classroom materials while developing independence and responsibility.\r\n\r\nA well-organized classroom makes a tremendous difference in student learning. The bookshelves and bins allowed me to organize our classroom library by genre, reading level, and topic, making it easier for students to find books they were excited to read. The additional storage also kept classroom supplies organized and readily available, giving us more time to focus on reading, discussion, and learning instead of searching for materials.\r\n\r\nYour support helped create a classroom that was inviting, organized, and centered around literacy. Students took pride in maintaining our shared space and were more eager to explore new books because everything was accessible and thoughtfully arranged. Thank you for investing in my students and helping foster a love of reading that will stay with them long after they leave my classroom. Your generosity made a lasting impact, and we are truly grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1777991095163,"projectUrl":"project/organization-never-looked-so-good/10258801/","projectTitle":"Organization Never Looked So Good","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Albritton","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp999639_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1483673088648","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-schneidersclass"},{"teacherId":999639,"projectId":10258178,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, our classroom library has grown into a place where every student can find a book that sparks their curiosity. Thanks to your support, we received an incredible collection of books, including engaging graphic novels and academic nonfiction texts that students can use for research and independent learning.\r\n\r\nThese books are already making a difference. My students are excited to browse the shelves, discover new interests, and choose books that match both their reading levels and personal passions. The graphic novels have been especially successful in encouraging even my most reluctant readers to pick up a book, while the nonfiction collection gives students access to reliable, high-interest resources that strengthen their research skills and deepen their understanding of classroom topics.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in my students and investing in their education. Your kindness has created opportunities for meaningful learning, inspired a love of reading, and given my classroom resources that will benefit students for years to come. Every book on our shelves is a reminder that there are people who care about their success, and for that, we are incredibly grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1777925562725,"projectUrl":"project/new-books-new-engagement/10258178/","projectTitle":"New Books = New Engagement","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Albritton","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp999639_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1483673088648","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-schneidersclass"},{"teacherId":2992890,"projectId":10185837,"letterContent":"My students were pumped to get these classroom materials. When they saw the stools, they said \"oooooh, they are awesome!\" \"The colors are the best!\" \"You got more finally?\" \"Yay! New stools!\" They came to test them out right away and they have all picked their favorite ones. These stools are integral to our flexible seating in our classroom and also are helpful when students come to work at the teacher table for small groups and one-on-one support. \r\n\r\nThey love the carpet, especially the color. Most of the students have blue as their favorite color, so they love it. We use the carpet every day when students sit on the carpet to read, relax, and trade books. \r\n\r\nThe other materials are so useful! We have used the clock when we learned to tell time. The stickers have already joined our sticker store. Thank you so much!","fullyFundedDate":1776452386204,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-environment-refresh/10185837/","projectTitle":"Classroom Environment Refresh","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Silverglat","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-silverglat"},{"teacherId":2350493,"projectId":9778565,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredibly generous donation to our classroom. The items you provided—from the stunning 4-foot LED bubble tube to the 16-color jellyfish lamps—have completely transformed our space into an immersive underwater learning sanctuary.\r\n\r\nThe students are already captivated by the \"aquarium\" atmosphere, which has provided a much-needed sense of calm and wonder. The LEGO minifigures and the giant humpback whale plush have already become favorites for imaginative play and storytelling. Your support isn't just giving us \"things\"; it's giving my students a peaceful environment where they feel inspired to learn and grow.","fullyFundedDate":1767881225141,"projectUrl":"project/the-chill-reef-classroom/9778565/","projectTitle":"The Chill Reef Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lahti","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2350493_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1449169253479","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/lahti"},{"teacherId":2992890,"projectId":10082702,"letterContent":"These materials have been critical for our study of Black joy through the lens of music. When the books arrived, I looked at each one. I picked several that I was going to use a read alouds for the entire class. The others, I put in a bin for students to borrow when we have independent reading time. \r\n\r\nThe students have loved the books. They especially liked the one about Sister Rosetta Tharpe and Prince. We learned a lot from the book \"When the Beat Was Born\" and students had a lot of follow up questions. \r\n\r\nOur next step is the use these books to help with our individual research projects. We will then donate the books to our library so all students can enjoy them!","fullyFundedDate":1770579959275,"projectUrl":"project/black-joy-black-music/10082702/","projectTitle":"Black Joy, Black Music","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Silverglat","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-silverglat"},{"teacherId":999639,"projectId":9693900,"letterContent":"Access to new, engaging books has a powerful and lasting impact on my classroom community. Many of my students do not have books of their own at home, so bringing fresh, high-interest titles into our classroom library opens the door to consistent reading experiences they might not otherwise have. These books will not only support academic growth, but also help students develop a genuine love of reading.\r\n\r\nWith new books, students are more motivated to read independently and participate in discussions. They are excited to explore topics that reflect their interests, cultures, and experiences, which helps them feel seen and valued. This increased engagement leads to stronger comprehension skills, improved vocabulary, and greater confidence as readers.\r\n\r\n\r\nYour support in providing these resources directly impacts not just what my students read, but how they see themselves as learners. These books will be used daily, treasured by students, and will continue to make a difference long after they arrive in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1764454470229,"projectUrl":"project/love-to-read/9693900/","projectTitle":"Love to Read","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Albritton","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp999639_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1483673088648","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-schneidersclass"},{"teacherId":999639,"projectId":9693888,"letterContent":"Middle school is a critical transition year. Students enter 6th grade with a wide range of abilities, confidence levels, and learning gaps. Having access to high-quality, differentiated small group resources has allowed me to meet students exactly where they are and move them forward with intention.\r\n\r\nThese materials have strengthened instruction in several important ways:\r\n\r\nFirst, they have allowed for meaningful differentiation. Instead of teaching one whole-group lesson and hoping it reaches everyone, I am able to pull targeted small groups focused on specific skills. Some students receive scaffolded support to build foundational understanding, while others engage in enrichment tasks that push their thinking further. This ensures that every child is appropriately challenged.\r\n\r\nSecond, these resources have increased student engagement. The materials are interactive, visually accessible, and thoughtfully designed. Students are more willing to participate in small groups when tasks feel purposeful and manageable. This has led to stronger discussions, deeper thinking, and greater accountability.\r\n\r\nThird, the built-in assessments and practice activities provide immediate feedback. I can quickly identify misconceptions, adjust instruction, and monitor growth. Small group time is no longer reactive—it is strategic and data-driven.\r\n\r\nAdditionally, having access to ready-to-use, classroom-tested materials has allowed me to spend more time analyzing student work, providing feedback, and building relationships instead of recreating resources from scratch. That time directly benefits students.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, I have seen an increase in student confidence. Learners who previously hesitated to participate are now more comfortable asking questions and taking academic risks within the small group setting. The structure and clarity of the materials create a safe space for growth.","fullyFundedDate":1762267505255,"projectUrl":"project/small-groups-galore/9693888/","projectTitle":"Small Groups Galore","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Albritton","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp999639_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1483673088648","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-schneidersclass"},{"teacherId":231225,"projectId":9931802,"letterContent":"Thank you for your kindness and generosity. Because of your support, I have been able to bring mindfulness skills and yoga practice to different groups of students over the past few weeks.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSince receiving the yoga mats, the students have been able to use yoga to help regulate themselves when they are experiencing big emotions. In addition to self-regulation, I have been able to use the mats to support yoga practice for small groups to teach coping skills. Currently, I run a grief and loss group for students in grades 3–5. These students have experienced loss through separation, divorce, death, incarceration and more. Infusing movement into our discussions and activities has proven to give the students more focus and regulation to discuss their thoughts and feelings.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the mats, they were excited and ready to showcase the yoga skills they already knew. I am looking forward to conducting yoga classes with full groups and infusing the practice into SEL workshops for students and staff.","fullyFundedDate":1766095022227,"projectUrl":"project/peace-begins-on-the-mat-empowering-stud/9931802/","projectTitle":"Peace Begins on the Mat: Empowering Students Through SEL","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Williams","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/231225"},{"teacherId":8330426,"projectId":8634337,"letterContent":"All of the parts of this project have been so helpful to my classroom. I always appreciate the willingness of the donors in this community to contribute to projects like this. It's so important not only for students to have ample texts to read, but also to have space to do so. I have learned more and more that having a comfortable and safe classroom are more than essential for student success. Students have used these chairs, for instance over and over again, and the plants that I purchased as part of this project make for a much more comfortable classroom. Thank you again!","fullyFundedDate":1723676045398,"projectUrl":"project/constructing-a-comfy-classroom/8634337/","projectTitle":"Constructing a Comfy Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. G.","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8330426_orig.png?crop=718,718,x0,y19&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1662930072594","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mr-golwitzer"},{"teacherId":2350493,"projectId":9841856,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation of slime supplies for our classroom. Because of your support, our students were able to make slime together, and they had an absolute blast doing it. The excitement, laughter, and engagement during this activity made it a truly memorable experience for everyone involved.\r\n\r\nAs students created their slime, they practiced following directions, taking turns, problem-solving, and working collaboratively with peers. The hands-on, sensory nature of the activity also supported focus and self-regulation, giving students a fun and productive outlet while reinforcing important skills in a low-pressure environment.","fullyFundedDate":1764598872716,"projectUrl":"project/slimy-science-super-scholars/9841856/","projectTitle":"Slimy Science & Super Scholars","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lahti","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2350493_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1449169253479","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/lahti"},{"teacherId":2350493,"projectId":9778595,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation of board games for our Skill Builders class. Because of your support, our students now have access to engaging games like Battleship, Guess Who, Chutes and Ladders, Trouble, Candy Land, Twister, and more. These games have quickly become an important part of our classroom routine and are already making a positive impact on our students.\r\n\r\nThrough play, students are practicing essential social skills such as turn-taking, communication, cooperation, problem-solving, and handling both winning and losing in healthy ways. The games provide structured opportunities for students to build patience, follow rules, manage emotions, and interact positively with peers in a fun and low-pressure environment. For many of our students, this kind of learning is especially powerful.","fullyFundedDate":1760705198801,"projectUrl":"project/learning-through-play-board-games-for-s/9778595/","projectTitle":"Learning Through Play: Board Games for Skill Builders","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lahti","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2350493_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1449169253479","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/lahti"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_5593","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":795,"numTeachers":41,"percentFrplEligible":46,"percentAsian":4,"percentBlack":73,"percentWhite":9,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":6,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":5,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"19.4:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":69.2,"schoolId":5593,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about National Teachers Academy on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"National Teachers Academy","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/chicago-public-school-district-299/national-teachers-academy/5593"}
Join the 1,250 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
National Teachers Academy is
an urban public school
in Chicago, Illinois that is part of Chicago Public School District 299.
It serves 795 students
in grades Pre-K - 8 with a student/teacher ratio of 19.4:1.
Its teachers have had 426 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
Supporting this school will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.
Public School
Title 1
Data about Title 1 status comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education.
Grades Pre-K - 8
795 Students
41 Teachers
55 W Cermak RdContact info is sourced from our partners at MDR Education, and DonorsChoose updates our site ahead of each school year.
Boost support for this school! Share this page with friends, family, alumni, and fellow supporters. Every connection helps teachers get the supplies they need and shows how much your community cares about its students.
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Every donation funds real needs — pencils, books, lab equipment, art supplies, and more — helping students learn and thrive. We ship supplies directly to the school, and you'll see exactly where each dollar goes.
of students receive free or reduced price lunch
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
Source: the National Center for Education Statistics
83%
of students are Black, Latino, Native
American, or Asian
Data about school demographics comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. The numbers in this chart may not add up to 100% because of limitations in the available data.
National Teachers Academy Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Aug 23, 2026
DonorsChoose makes it easy for anyone to help a teacher in need, moving us closer to a nation where students
in every community have the tools and experiences they need for a great education.
National Teachers Academy
$229,766
raised using DonorsChoose
426
projects
funded
80
teachers
funded
1,250
donors
36
projects
for
basic supplies
64
projects for
technology
95
projects for
books
9
projects
for
art supplies
National Teachers Academy has received support from
865 individuals from Illinois and
385 individuals out-of-state.