Charlotte Green-Allison is a Pre-K teacher based in Port Arthur, Texas. She’s been educating students in Math, Science, Literacy, and Art for nearly a decade, but with so many subjects to cover, she focuses on one clear goal that keeps her going: to make a difference in the lives of her students. “I love helping my students succeed, both emotionally and academically,” she says. “It’s what inspired me to become a teacher.”
For the three and four-year-old students in her classroom, Charlotte says trust is vital to creating a successful learning environment. “Without a solid foundation built on trust, quality learning cannot happen. I begin each school year by establishing classroom routines and systems, so students know what to expect and can respond independently,” she says.
For Charlotte, that same trust can also be applied to her relationships with fellow educators. “I work with my colleagues and collaborate with them openly.” To other teachers, she says, “Never be afraid to seek advice or ask the silly questions.”
Beyond the classroom, Charlotte encourages teachers to connect with the larger community full of allies who also want to see the next generation do well. When her students were faced with sudden technical needs during the pandemic, Charlotte sought funding through DonorsChoose for laptops and Google Chrome Education Licenses. “Three of my students were given Chromebook Tablet laptops they could not have afforded independently, which allowed them to complete their school assignments virtually, attend online tutoring sessions, and stay connected with their peers during COVID-19 lockdown.”
Now in 2023, Charlotte still posts classroom needs to DonorsChoose to secure community funding that directly impacts her students. For educators new to DonorsChoose, Charlotte advises teachers to start small. “Keep your first project under $500. Try asking for supplies your students use daily and are always in need of, like pencils, scissors, cardstock, and glue. But most importantly, when writing your project description, speak from the heart.”
SONIC’s Limeades for Learning initiative makes a difference in public schools across the country through the brand’s partnership with nonprofit DonorsChoose, to which the SONIC Foundation provides funding throughout the year in support of public school teachers and the great projects they’re creating in their classrooms. To share their innovative approaches to education, we’re spotlighting an educator each month to showcase the different ways they’re enriching their schools and communities.
Are you a teacher interested in securing funding through DonorsChoose? Visit donorschoose.org/teachers. To learn more about SONIC’s Limeades for Learning, visit foundation.sonicedrivein.com.
This story is part of an ongoing series.
