Ms. Anglin's Readers and Writers

"The future belongs to a very different kind of person with a very different kind of mind -- creators and empathizers, pattern recognizers, and meaning makers. These people -- artists, inventors, designers, storytellers, caregivers, consolers, big picture thinkers -- will now reap society's richest rewards and share its greatest joys." -- Daniel Pink

What if our most creative minds - our best minds - are lying in plain sight, hindered only by the strappings of poverty? What do we do then?

This is a question I wrestle with every day as I work with high school students in the Dallas Metroplex who are assigned to my reading class. These students are struggling learners, often fighting the double bind of failing classes and the state test, and are facing a very real future where they may not graduate high school on time (or at all). 

I have a guiding belief as an educator - save and nurture those creative minds. So, hello, interent! I need your help! 

I started this campaign in hopes of reaching students in a way that public education has not afforded me the chance to. You know the stories - public schools are woefully underfunded. When we do recieve funds, there are often strings attached and red tape in every direction. I am seeking a way to cut down barriers and get my students writing and reading without waiting another day.

I am looking for a funding of $2500 for various classroom initiatives. Here is what I would like to provide to the students:

First - the fundamentals for academic success:
   
     - A backpack for each student

This sounds inconsequential, but you might be truly surprised at how important a backpack can be to promoting educational success. Many of my students don't complete their homework because they have no where to put it.

     - A student planner for every student

Another frequent roadblock my students face is simply being unorganized. I'd like to foster in my students the ability to set goals, create schedules, manage time, and commit to projects. This simple addition of a planner can also help them gain perspective on where they are spending their time.

Second - the tools for improvement:

    - Basic supplies

In my classroom, I use the Abydos writing methods to foster ownership and creativity in writing. This includes interactive notebooks. These are simply writing journals that involve the use of cut outs, post-its, markers, color pencils, glue, scissors, tape, and other craft supplies to bring the writing of my students to life. This past year, I spent close to $300 of my own money on supplies for my classroom. I wish I could spend more. I ask for your help in assisting me to provide for these learners.

    - Special activities

One of the many great things about teaching is the opportunity to get creative with assignments. I love bringing in some weird and off the wall stuff to inspire my writers. This past year, I created a crime scene on Halloween for them to analyze and then use as a catlyst to write a short story. I would love to do more, but it does cost. Funding for these types of events is crucial to inspiring curiosity and innovation in my learners.

    - Technology

I am a huge advocate for the use of technology in the classroom. But that has proven to be difficult to implement in an underfunded public school. I would love to supply my students with hardware (a classroom set of iPads would be a great luxury), but I can certainly make due with access to applications using our districts' tools. These apps do cost money for access (Doceri and Subtext are two of my favorites), but have been effective in engaging my learners. I'm also in desperate need of 30 pairs of decent headphones so students can participate in literature circles. 

    - Good old fashioned books

I want a classroom library worth looking at! One of the worst budget hits lately has come to our public school libraries. When students are in them, they often find themselves staring at an antiquated or meager selection of books. I would like to spend a sizeable portion of this campaigns' funds to build a sensational classroom library. I'm also willing to hear suggestions! If you donate, let me know your favorite books that had impact on you when you were 15. 


With just $2500, I believe I can provide my students with a powerful and meaningful educational experience. If you are unable to donate, I simply ask that you share this and speak to the needs of teachers everywhere facing tight budgets and lacking in access to materials.

These are kids who sometimes get shuffled and overlooked, who don't see new things as often as the rest of us, and who sometimes shelter themselves under a veil of protective ignorance. I want to use these tools to remove that veil and get them participating in the greater world. Let's not let our greatest minds be claimed by the inability to access money.

"Where you live should not decide whether you live or whether you die. " - Bono