“You know that you won’t make any money, right?” This is the most common response I get when I tell my peers, and even adults, that I want to work in education. Every time I hear this I think about the amazing, altruistic teachers who made a difference in my education and life. What if they had chosen a more financial prosperous job instead of the honorable and fulfilling career of teaching? I would not be the person I am today without the countless teachers who genuinely cared and invested in my future.

I completed my K-12 education in Falcon District 49, which is one of the lowest funded districts in Colorado. When my class sizes soared to 40 kids and we only had access to 20 textbooks, I knew that my school was struggling. There were some points when my teachers were on several year pay freezes. Despite the absence of funding, I could hardly feel disadvantaged when I had some of the most dedicated and enthusiast individuals as teachers. As I look back on my education, I still smile to myself and appreciate the determination and selflessness of my teachers. 

Ever since a Teach for America recruiter came into my geography class freshman year, I knew I had to apply. I have a passion for leveling the playing field in our public schools. Through my K-12 education, I learned that funding is important, but teachers are the true catalyst for change. The first step is getting motivated, diverse, and empathetic teachers into schools. Teachers can turn a struggling school into an environment of acceptance, inspiration, and success. I joined Teach for America because I wholeheartedly believe that I could be one of those teachers. 

After completing Teach for America’s 2018 Tusa Institute, I will be responsible for my very own classroom! I can't wait to decorate and meet my students and their families. One of the biggest hurdles that students in high need schools face is a lack of the necessary materials that are needed daily. It makes it infinitely more difficult for students to take part in activities and classwork when they do not have basic supplies.

The theme of my classroom is "Elevate" because I want to elevate my students' learning, voices, and experiences. These materials will be instrumental in helping me elevate my students to their fullest potential. To get the year started off right, I will use the funds that I raise to purchase the startup supplies needed to welcome my students to a classroom that is clean, stocked full with materials, and inclusive. This will allow me to provide the required supplies to students that otherwise would not have them. Thank you so much in advance for supporting me and my students at the beginning of this exciting journey.

PledgeCents allows me to keep whatever I raise, so anything you can contribute really will make a difference for my first year. I want to make a great impression and a lasting impact on my first group of students and letting them know that they have a community that supports them both near and far will definitely get us on the right track. Here is a complete list of the materials that your generous investment will help provide for the students of my very first classroom:

What I Will Purchase

1 Boxes of Paper (5 Reams) - $25.00

Lined Paper (1000 sheets)- $15.00

2 Boxes of Pencils (288 Count) - $40.00

Kleenex (18 Pack) - $36.00

Anchor Chart Paper (2 Pack) - $30.00

Scotch Thermal Laminator - $29.00

Hand Sanitizer (Pack of 2) - $28.00

12 Quart Stackable Storage (6 Pack) - $26.00

Paper Towels (12 Rolls) - $24.00

2 Packs of Dry Erase Markers (32 Count) - $22.00

2 Packs of Ball-Point Pens (48 Count) - $22.00

2 Packs of Grading Pens (24 Count) - $22.00

Pack of Highlighters (50 Count) - $17.00

3 Packs of Erasers (36 Count) - $16.00

Scotch Laminator Sheets (100 Pack) - $14.00

3x5 Index Cards (10 Packs) - $12.00

2 Packs of Sharpie Chart Markers (16 Count) - $12.00

Clorox Disinfecting Wipes (3 Pack) - $10.00

Swingline 3-Hole Punch - $10.00

Post-it Notes (18 Pads) - $8.00

Sharpie Permanent Marker (12 Count) - $7.00

Paper Clips (450 Count) - $6.00

Swingline Stapler - $6.00

Binder Clips (30 Count) - $5.00

Swingline Staples (5000 Count) - $3.00

Classroom Decorations- $75.00

Used Books- $50.00

Back Up Plan