Help Bring Technology to a Local Classroom in the Bootheel
Amy Pixley, a first grade teacher in Kennett, Missouri is asking for help in bring technology to her classroom. Mrs Pixley currently wrote a proposal and sent it into Adopt-A-Classroom. “Adopt-A-Classroom is a great organization that helps teachers with funding for their class,” said Pixley. “Teacher spend so much of their own money on their classrooms, but sometimes what they want to do is even beyond their means.” That’s where Adopt-A-Classroom comes into play. Teacher can write a proposal and send it in, then the community comes in and votes. The top 180 teachers will receive $2,500 to spend on what they need for their classroom.
“ I have been teaching for 22 years and have taught in 4 different school districts in Southeast Missouri.” Amy explains. “ I have loved every school district I taught in and made many friends. My family moved to Kennett, Missouri 3 years ago and my whole teaching experience changed. I can’t explain to you the difference there is in just driving 45 minutes south. You don't just make a difference in the kids education down here, but in their whole life. It pulls on your heartstrings hard everyday. You don't just worry about are they getting the content I put in front them everyday. You worry about; Are they going to get fed at home? Are they going to be warm? Will someone be there when they get off the bus? Will someone hug them and say I love you? Will they be safe?”
Mrs Pixley currently has 20 student in her first grade classroom. The lacking technology is a big challenge. There are zero student computers in the classroom and 5 iPads. “I try to get the iPads in their hands as much as possible because I know most do not have them at home. Technology is a big part of our future and I want to prepare my students as best I can for their future. My students journal, practice math, spelling, sight words and even handwriting on the iPads. It's just a challenge when they have to share 1 iPad with 4 students.”
There are only 12 teachers in the state of Missouri who are up for the grants. Mrs Pixley is the only elementary teacher south of Jackson, Missouri. “The way you win the grant is by votes, which I know will be a huge challenge for me considering the area I teach in. Everyone can vote once a day per email address throughout the month of March. When you go up against teachers all over the nation like San Francisco and New York, Kennett probably doesn't have a chance. But you never know unless you try. I know my kids won't get more technology if I just talk about it. I have to at least try to do something about it.”
To help Mrs Pixley’s class try to win this grant go to www.thankamericasteachers.com and click on vote. Please vote everyday
