Going into my second year teaching, I have a very clear vision of what I want to focus on in my classroom. I teach special education math to grades seventh through twelfth in Philadelphia at Mariana Bracetti Academy Charter School. All of my students have Individualized Education Plans (IEPs). This year, I'm focusing on students creating their own goals and problem-solving to achieve each one. They will be tracking their achievement in an individualized binder, showing their progress in ways that we design together.



I fully believe in the capabilities of each of my students, however, they each face obstacles that make attaining their education more difficult, as many of my students do not have access to luxuries that I had when I was their age. To build a better picture, I'll let you know a few demographics regarding my students. My students live in one of the most drug-ridden neighborhoods in all of Philadelphia (note: read this article for a shocking look into this neighborhood http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2011/08/13/philadelphia-s-kensington-avenue-heroin-prostitution-and-no-police.html). About 98% of the student body receives reduced lunch fares. Many of my students do not have computers at home, and I was surprised to learn that even buying new binders or notebooks is difficult for some. 

This year, I'm hoping to optimize their learning experience, but in order to do so, I need school supplies. I'm hoping to raise enough money for a document camera, as well as basic school supplies such as notebooks, folders, binders, etc. I've had the pleasure of watching all of my students grow. In particular, I'm proud of my eighth and twelfth graders, who graduated or partook in a moving up ceremony this past spring. I hope to watch all of my students achieve this success, and so I'm asking you for your support as well. I've chosen a goal of $2017 to represent this year's graduating class, and more importantly, all of this year's successes. Please donate to my classroom and help us achieve!