Back To School: Supporting Teachers Helps Your Child's Education

In a recent survey, only 52% of teachers feel valued by their communities, according to PDK International, a professional association for educators. What's more, teachers are more burnt out than ever, with 81% reporting their workloads have increased and 55% sharing they have less time for planning than before, according to a State of Teaching survey conducted by Adopt a Classroom.

Heading back to school means stocking up on supplies, updating wardrobes and planning new routines for hassle-free mornings. As you prepare for the new school year for your child, consider ways for supporting your children's teachers, too:

Volunteer In The Classroom
With the extra roles and responsibilities many teachers have taken on in recent years, there aren't enough hours in the day to complete special projects or keep up with certain tasks. Ask teachers how you can lend a hand. That might mean spending some time physically in the classroom, or there may be ways you can support your children's classes from home, such as assembling instructional packets or researching field trip ideas.

Volunteering At Broward County Public Schools
Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) Volunteers play a significant role in the success of students. The District recognizes and appreciates the invaluable service provided for our students to reach their highest potential, in order to succeed in tomorrow’s world. if you are interested in being a part of your child's education and assisting teachers with students contact the School Volunteer Liaison at: (754) 321-2300. Or email: volunteer@browardschools.com

Recognize Teachers Who Go Above And Beyond
Chances are good you know at least a few educators who have gone beyond the call of duty and made an exceptional impact on their students. Honoring their contributions shows appreciation for all they do. One way to demonstrate your gratitude is by nominating educators for Staples' fourth annual #ThankATeacher Contest, which recognizes 20 stand-out educators who go above and beyond for their students. Winners' schools will be awarded $5,000 in classroom essentials for the upcoming school year. Learn more about how to nominate a teacher at: https://www.staplesconnect.com/p/thankateacher

Be A Partner In Your Child's Learning At Home
Supporting teachers isn't just about the classroom and supplies; you can also provide a helping hand by creating good habits and modeling the importance of education at home. Actions like creating routines that keep students on a comfortable, familiar schedule help teachers manage classrooms more effectively. You can also make communication with your children's teachers a priority so you're aware of concerns and can help address them early.

Donate School Supplies
Often, teachers dip into their own income to create fun, engaging learning experiences and supplement student supplies when they run low. In fact, the average teacher spends $745 on supplies for their classrooms that are not covered by school budgets. According to Adopt a Classroom's State of Teaching survey, 71% of teachers spent more of their own money on classroom materials in 2022 than during the previous year.

You can ask teachers what supplies they need, or you can give back to teachers through Staples' Classroom Rewards program. Join for free and earn 5% back on every qualifying purchase for you and 10% back of qualifying purchases to donate to local teachers. The program helps reduce teachers' out of pocket costs for their classrooms by allowing them to earn up to $2,000 a year.

Another way to donate school supplies is to be a part of the Broward Education Foundation’s Annual Back to School Drive. This yearly event offers multiple ways to contribute. The School Supply Center is stocked through generous donations from local businesses and individuals, supplies purchased with donated funds and partnerships with national organizations such as Kids in Need Foundation, Target, Staples and Walgreens. To donate to this years drive visit: https://browardedfoundation.org/ways-to-give/school-supplies-product-donation-tools-schools-broward/ Or call Hector Javier at: (754) 321-9021.

Attend School Board Meetings And Voice Support
Keeping tabs on the issues affecting your school district and teachers is an important part of monitoring and advocating for your children's education, but it's also a way for you to lend your support on topics affecting teachers. Stay informed about issues that matter to your children's teachers and support school board policies and actions that serve teachers' best interests.

A great way to get directly involved with the school board is to reach out to the Broward County Public School Community Connection Department. This program is designed to enhance leadership, parenting and advocacy skills to provide families the tools for academic success. To learn more about this program and how it can benefit your child, contact Nadia Clarke at: (754) 321-1599.