What a Teacher Makes

Posted by Valerie, Senior Manager, Grants and Program Development

During Teacher Appreciation Week, I always find myself going down memory lane and revisiting teachers I had growing up.  And, like you, there were favorites among the many over the years.  Ms. Bremser was my kindergarten teacher.  And while I don’t remember much, I think she must have been a favorite because I had fun, made friends, and was finally in school like my big sisters.

In the years to come, Mrs. Thompson, Mrs. Whitlatch, Mr. Mueller and Mr. Nichols all played their part in teaching English, Science, and History.  And while it was as much about learning the subjects, it was learning how to get along with others, get projects completed, and interacting with forces that would shape my future.  There were two high school teachers I really remember well, Mr. Wingo and Mr. Thomas.  They taught AP European History and English respectively.  Everyone feared their classes but loved them just the same.  For if you made it out of their classes, college was going to be a walk in the park.   You couldn’t fake it and they instinctively knew if you hadn’t done your assignment.  Maybe they could see it in our eyes or sense us praying that we wouldn’t be called on to answer a question. 

For all the memories, for all the time spent in school with friends, for all the homework assignments and everything else, we must not forget to say “thanks” to our teachers.  For those of you who haven’t seen Taylor Mali’s “what a teacher makes” check this out.   The question about “what a teacher makes" is answered.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BrKGmwhcOGg

Volunteers are the backbone of A Gift For Teaching and here is one shout out to teachers from a long-time volunteer and familiar face in the store, Chris Dawson.

Good Afternoon Teachers,   I would like say that I appreciate you coming because being an AGFT volunteer is important to me.  If you didn't come to AGFT and shop I wouldn't get to talk to you, answer questions and most importantly I wouldn't get to tell you the incredible value of your shop!!   Thank you for coming to shop at AGFT this school year and I hope you will continue to come shop next year.   Thank you for everything you do to help students, Chris Dawson

Bright Kids Book Drive

Posted by: Meredith
Do you remember your favorite books from childhood? I had a lot, but a few I remember in particular are the Anne of Green Gables series, Misty of Chincoteague and Green Eggs and Ham.

Sadly, there are a lot of students in Central Florida who may not have a favorite book. The average low-income home has 0-2 books. With your help, A Gift For Teaching wants to fix that!

Our Bright Kids Book Drive runs through tomorrow, March 30th, but we need good books all year long. Consider collecting new or gently used books at your office, faith-based organization or do some spring cleaning and clear off the kids' bookshelves!

Your donations could help foster a love for reading for kids in need, creating opportunities and igniting imaginations. What could be better than that?

If you have questions or would like more information, please don't hesitate to contact me at meredith@agiftforteaching.org.

Cookin' up Crayons

Posted by: Valerie Mardle, Senior Manager, Grants & Program Development

On Wednesday, February 22nd, A Gift For Teaching hosted award-winning author/illustrator, Janeen Mason to join art teachers and media specialists for a special class through the School SmARTS program. Janeen was able to share with the group the “life cycle” of illustrations and how they come to life for books, along with her journey of becoming more than just an illustrator. Janeen has authored several books, does amazing sculptures, and large scale fine art. Some of her works belong in the collections of Burt Reynolds, Reba McEntire, Evan Lloyd and S. Kent Rockwell. Teachers were thrilled to participate in making crayon art (using electric griddles!) during the session. Many shared that this type of art will be exciting for their students as it brings a new dimension to using crayons. One teacher even said “I’m an adult kid drawing and learning with crayons…I love it and can’t wait to share it with my high school students!” Teachers were able to network with other teachers, gather some great ideas, and all received a signed copy of “Going Around the Sun: Some Planetary Fun.”


For those who might like more information about Janeen, you can visit her website at www.janeenmason.com She will also be participating in the upcoming book fest at UCF. Learn more at http://education.ucf.edu/bookfest

Thank you for supporting School You!

Posted by: Jane


On behalf of the entire A Gift For Teaching team, I would like to thank you for attending our second annual School You: Brain Bowl Challenge! Please join us in congratulating our newly crowned champions, Team Paper - AGFT partner and current Board Chair, Amanda Paradis, Chickasaw Elementary School teacher, Jerry Reedy, Fern Creek Elementary School student, Julia Reparip and former Orlando Police Chief, Val Demings.

Each year we look forward to gathering all of our friends and supporters in one place to party with a purpose. Saturday, February 11th, was a celebration of our community's commitment to students, teachers, and schools.

We hope that you were entertained by the trivia game, and impacted by the video that we debuted. Through your generosity, this event raised more than $60,000 for Central Florida's students in need!




For those of you who were unable to attend, we would like to share that video with you now. Thanks to WKMG Local 6 and Orange County Public Schools, we were able to interview a few of the teachers who shop in our Free Store to share what challenges they see their students face each day.


Please click here to lend your support to A Gift For Teaching.  You will be redirected to our secure, online donation page.

Give the gift of music!

Posted by: Sally

A Gift For Music recently joined forces with the Give the Gift of Music Campaign, a 30 year old initiative geared toward educating the public on the value of sharing music as a gift with others.  AGFM has been selected to partner with the Give the Gift of Music Campaign as one of the organizations featured on their “give to those in need” page.  This part of the campaign was created to highlight organizations whose mission involves using music as a way to brighten the lives of others. 

 

AGFM is grateful for the opportunity to gain national awareness through this campaign and supports their efforts to connect more people to music in hopes of shining a positive light in their lives.

Be sure to check out the campaign web site at http://www.givethegiftofmusic.info.

UKNIGHT For Education

Posted by: Kendra

UCF Knights v. ECU Pirates

Men's Basketball

7p.m. / Tickets are only $8

Fans are asked to bring school supply donations for

A Gift For Teaching

UCF Athletics has put out a challenge to all elementary and middle schools in the Central Florida area to UKNIGHT with men’s basketball. Witness one of the loudest and rowdiest student sections in the land, The KNIGHTMARE! Every student will be able to participate in exciting fan experiences such as a fan tunnel to lead the Knights on to the court as well as a chalk talk from the coaching staff. For additional information please call UCF Athletics at 407-823-1000!

School You is TONIGHT!

Posted by: Kendra