You can take one, more, or all of these steps to rally behind the teachers that are committed to inclusion.
Vote for Kelly DeLoriea to win $500 worth of classroom supplies from La Jolie MLN.
Please vote for Kelly DeLoriea in this teacher appreciation give away. Kelly has been harrassed and threatened by right-wing extremists for the last two years. She’s an excellent teacher who engages students from all backgrounds, and helps them learn about democratic participation just as they’re entering adulthood. You can get a taste of her classroom with this “Diplomacy and Intervention Unit” (scroll down to about 80% through the article) which was featured in the New York Times. My husband has voted, too, and he’s happy to receive future marketing emails from this local boutique with strong community engagement. After you’ve voted for Kelly DeLoriea, please get your family and friends to do the same.
Contribute to an inclusive classroom at Sandburg.
From Ms. Earley: “I am a Special Education teacher for students in 7th and 8th grade with a wide range of abilities! We have students with Autism, Down Syndrome, Specific Learning Disabilities, ADD/ADHD, and more. This project would make an incredible difference to help make our space sensory friendly! Cubiis would be used for students to have under their desks for movement during our lengthy 75 minute classes. Fidgets would be used to allow for sensory breaks as needed. Magna tiles will be used to encourage creativity and teamwork during breaks to allow them to create new things! Carpets, Pillows, and Clipboards would allow for students to sit wherever while they work so they feel comfortable.”
Wear a blue “I Stand with Teachers” t-shirt at the next Elmhurst school board meeting.
At the July 25 meeting, the teachers union president and a representative stated that teachers need more support. In attendance were over 50 teachers wearing royal blue shirts to amplify the message. We can demonstrate for teachers that we’re with them by showing up in blue at the Tuesday, August 22, school board meeting which starts at 7:00 PM at 162 S. York St. We are placing a group order for shirts which are $18 each. To order, send the amount via Zelle using the QR code below. Indicate your size(s) and “men’s fit” or “women’s fit” in the memo of the Zelle payment. You can pick up your shirt in Elmhurst around August 18.
Help a California classroom get copies of “American Street,” a book that was censored in Elmhurst.
From Ms. Robles in San Diego: “As an educator, I have witnessed the transformative power of literature in shaping young minds and fostering empathy. To this end, I am requesting your generous support to acquire copies of "American Street," a captivating book that delves into the journey of immigrants. Let us embark on a literary adventure that will leave an indelible mark on these young souls. ‘American Street’ by Ibi Zoboi is an awe-inspiring novel that takes readers on a riveting journey into the lives of immigrants as they navigate the complexities of a new home. This book will not only promote reading proficiency but also foster empathy and understanding among my students. Imagine the impact we can create together by placing ‘American Street’ in the hands of my eager students. By donating to this cause, you are actively participating in transforming lives and building brighter futures.”