The Education Fund's Teach-A-Thon, now in its third year, is an exciting campaign. The goal is to educate the business community and others about the effect that teaching quality has on student achievement and what it takes to ensure quality teaching.
The Teach-A-Thon uses a walk-a-thon strategy with an innovative twist. Instead of walking, running or climbing stairs, volunteers train for a "teaching day." As part of the training process, participants learn the "Three Rs" that contribute to teaching quality:
Training is simple, fun and a great way to network with other professionals. Participants are teamed up with a colleague and become Teacher Champions. They gain an understanding of what the community can do to improve teaching quality while learning how to create a stimulating lesson plan. Equipped with this insight, Teacher Champions spread the message to colleagues and friends while seeking support for their teaching day.
The campaign culminates in a county-wide teaching day, when all Teacher Champions spend up to two hours teaching in their assigned classroom. That evening everyone enjoys a victory party where stories of success are shared by Teacher Champions and their teachers.
Last year, a total of 210 employees from 56 companies and organizations throughout South Florida volunteered. Several organizations used the event to create team building and connections between employees, as most Teacher Champions teach in teams. One company invested its full support behind one employee, connecting all clients and vendors to a Web site she created.
Bankers taught kindergarteners the importance of saving. Utility executives shared the real-world implications of thunderstorms. Journalists explained the integrity of reporting. Students from kindergarten through 12th grade learned from the entire community. More importantly, our Teacher Champions learned the importance of supporting teachers to improve teaching quality. And, they were quick to spread the word. Whether sponsors pledged $1 or $100, each was touched by the message that teaching is one of the most important professions in our community.
Whether you are interested in participating or want to make this opportunity available to your employees, we want you to join us. Complete an application online from the links on the right, and we will contact you to get started.
For more information, please contact:
Teachers: Teacher Champions:
Jeannie Necessary, Program Assistant Stacey de la Grana, Campaign Manager
The Education Fund
The Education Fund
305-892-5099 ext. 15 305-892-5099 ext. 23
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