Purchase Items from Classroom Wishlists and Fund DonorsChoose Projects
*Accepting additional submissions through Monday, August 16. Please send an email to everydayakron@gmail.com, and include your name, grade and subject you teach, a quote about your classroom, teaching style and/or wishlist, and a link to where people can support you.*
I was going to come up with an intro for this blog post that was similar to last year’s by talking about the pandemic’s effects on education, how little educators are paid compared to the amount of work they do, how much teachers spend out of pocket on school supplies for their classrooms, etc. But then I received a moving message from a local teacher after asking Everyday Akron followers to submit their classroom wishlist…
An art teacher explained that all she needs – and what many educators need – is kind, encouraging notes. After such a difficult year and a half dealing with the pandemic, adapting teaching methods, and focusing on themselves and families, this teacher felt incredibly alone during all this. She received just one note from a parent, and she reflected, “…that one note gave me so much life and motivation to keep going.”
Teachers really are some of the hardest working people out there. The pandemic compounded this. And while we were all so focused on our own lives, we forgot to say thank you…
Sometimes all it takes is a kind note to show your gratitude. If you’d like to send some words of encouragement to any of these teachers, please email them to Everyday Akron, and I’ll be sure to pass them along. (Feel free to mention a specific teacher or that the note can go to all of them.)
There are quotes from even more teachers below. Let’s help them start the school year right! If you’re able to, please support the teachers and classrooms below. (There’s also a back to school event listed!)
Finally, help spread the word by sharing this blog post on social media. Let’s help the incredible people who are educating Akron area kids.
Classroom Wishlists
But first a note! When purchasing from Amazon or elsewhere for a teacher, make sure you select their gift registry address as the mailing address, so the item(s) go right to them. And, if you’re supporting multiple classrooms, checkout separate times for each teacher’s lists.
Kaitlyn L.
10th Grade Social Studies Teacher
My name is Kaitlyn L. and I am a first year teacher this year! I’ll be teaching 10th grade Social Studies at Bio Med Science Academy in Rootstown!
I’m really passionate about changing the way that students view history and social studies. I think it’s important to give a purpose for learning the past and learning in general. I prefer a more hands-on approach to history rather than memorizing facts, dates and names.
I really struggled this year figuring out what I would need because at the high school level, many of the basic materials can be purchased through the school. I’m hoping with help completing my wishlist, I’ll be able to decorate my classroom and make it a welcoming space for students!
Laura L.
11th and 12th Grade English
My wishlist consists of some basic necessities that I restock each year — tissues, hand sanitizer, a desk calendar, and wall calendar for students to see missing work and what not. I am also always looking for G2 Pilot pens because they are hands down my favorite grading pen!
I am heading into my 3rd year of teaching. I haven’t quite had a “normal” school year yet (whatever that may mean!) but I am looking forward to another great year regardless of the circumstances. My goal is to create a warm, welcoming, and accepting environment for all of my students while giving them some of the final tools they need before they head into the real world!
Steph Z.
3rd Grade Intervention Specialist
Hi, my name is Steph! I am a 3rd Grade Intervention Specialist, and this is my 7th year of teaching within Akron Public Schools! I team teach with two general education teachers in a large classroom where we support forty scholars! Our school focuses on a STEM curriculum, social emotional and trauma-informed learning, as well as wraparound supports for the entire family.
I have taught almost every grade between Kindergarten through 12th grade, and my main focus is always building relationships. Without the relationship and meeting basic student needs, academic learning cannot take place. The items on my list include basic sanitation needs, manipulatives, social emotional learning books, and sensory tools. ANY donation is sincerely appreciated! Thank you!!
Nicole H.
6th Grade Teacher
I would LOVE…..
LOTS of expo markers (color!!)
$5 gift cards* to fast food/google play for the kids to win
Any local business to make shirts for students to earn for great work
Kids are simple. But they need motivation. And with this upcoming school year we need all the rewards prizes and motivation we can give them 💚
*If you’d like to mail gift cards to Nicole, please email everydayakron@gmail.com for a mailing address
Brittany C.
Creating a diverse classroom library is an ongoing project. The more young adults read books by people and about people who look different than they do but have the same worries, concerns, dreams, joys, and interests, the more empathetic they become. They start to accept those differences. Books can change the way we see and interact in the world.
Megan W.
Preschool Teacher
My name is Megan. I teach preschool for Akron Public schools. I work with a wonderful group of integrated preschool students. My class is made up of typical learners, learners with disabilities, English language learners, and students who are basic need insecure. Despite their background they come in ready to learn everyday!
My students are entering into their first year of classroom learning, so I want them to experience materials and manipulates that they might not have access to outside of the classroom. My students come from all different walks of life and I want my classroom to be a safe and engaging space. You’ll notice that almost all the items on the list are toys, but learning happens in play, so I want to stock my classroom with educational toys to help facilitate their learning.
Morgan H.
5th Grade Math Teacher
Hi, my name is Morgan! I’m a 5th grade math teacher in Akron Public Schools, and this will be my 7th year of teaching. In my classroom, I teach around 40 students throughout the day. Most of my students have limited resources. Often it is up to myself to provide the materials to close the gap on my students’ needs. With your help, this wish list will help my students reach their full potential in math! Thank you so much for your kindness!
DonorsChoose
The DonorsChoose mission is to “make 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.”
Support Akron area classrooms by donating to their projects so they can purchase items such as writing materials, cleaning supplies, physical education equipment, remote learning tools, and more.
Back to School Event
August 22, 2021 from 1-3 p.m.
High Bridge Glens Park, 1817 Front St, Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221
Hi! We’re having a back to school bash on 8/22 from 1-3pm at High Bridge Glens park in Cuyahoga Falls. We’re giving away school supplies, there will be a make and take pencil as well as craft station, Elsa and Anna will be there from Frozen to take photos with, and there will be free popsicles for the kids as well as Sandy Botton Bowls available for purchase. Feel free to spread the word! Everything is available on a first come, first serve basis.
@closet.of.caring
Everyday Akron 