A Sweet and Stressful Time for Educators
It takes big hearts and lots of love to run a school the week of Valentine’s Day. Little ones with sticky fingers, kids secretly swapping valentines in the hallway, high schoolers navigating Galentines and first loves, and behind all the buzz and excitement are strong teachers; smiling, supporting, and teaching through it all.
Through the pink and red paper hearts, sweet smiles and endless cups of coffee, educators and administrators share a little extra love this time of year with their colleagues and students, but behind every smile at the end of the day lies something that can only be described as “teacher tired.”
The Learning Ally Share the Love Program: A Valentine’s Gift for Teachers
For the past four Valentine’s Days, Learning Ally has stepped in to fill gaps, and add some love and sparkle to ‘teacher tired’ educators everywhere. Educator Community Manager Liz Zwerg and Volunteer and Community Partnerships Program Manager Maria Lelie lead the Share the Love program, which matches eager educators who sign up to receive a valentine with Learning Ally staff, volunteers, and corporate partners to craft and create cards and gifts for their educator match.
“Engaging and mobilizing our volunteers and corporate partners is key to amplifying the impact of this program—ensuring that all educators feel seen, supported, and appreciated,” says Lelie.
The program encourages volunteers to share photos of themselves with their creations, and educators to share photos of themselves with their gifts.“What rolls into our inboxes during February are images of endless smiling faces next to sweet treats and handcrafted cards. To me, this is proof that our community cares deeply for educators’ well-being,” says Zwerg.
Real Teachers, Real Impact
Maria Horlein, an educator and first-time participant in the Share the Love program, describes her experience: “I just wanted to let you know what a wonderful experience this has been! It is such a beautiful and generous idea. What a fantastic way to let teachers know that they are appreciated. I received my box yesterday, and it was such an uplifting moment. I hope the volunteers who participate in this program know how much it is appreciated, and I hope that Learning Ally also knows how thankful we are for this opportunity!”
Learning Ally’s Mission: Supporting Educators, Empowering Students
To date, more than 175 matches have been made over the past four years, more than 300 volunteer hours have been donated to this program, and hundreds of educators have felt more supported at a time when they need it most. “At Learning Ally, supporting educators and students is central to our mission because we know when educators are supported, students succeed,” says Zwerg.
Join the Learning Ally Educator Community!
Written by Elizabeth Zwerg, Learning Ally Educator Community Manager
FAQ:
Q: What is the “Share the Love” program, and how can I participate?
A: The “Share the Love” program is a special initiative where Learning Ally staff, volunteers, and corporate partners create and send Valentine’s Day cards and gifts to educators. It’s a way to show appreciation for the hard work and dedication of teachers. To participate, keep an eye on Learning Ally’s social media channels and the Educator Community for announcements and registration information in the lead-up to Valentine’s Day.
Q: What are some effective ways communities can support educators?
A: Communities can support educators through various initiatives, including:
- Volunteer Programs: Local volunteers can assist teachers in the classroom, provide tutoring, or help with extracurricular activities, allowing educators to focus more on teaching and less on administrative tasks.
- Partnerships with Local Businesses: Collaborations with businesses can lead to sponsorships for school events, donations of supplies, or internships for students, enriching the educational experience and providing resources that schools may lack.
- Parent and Community Engagement: Schools can organize events that invite parents and community members to participate in school activities. This fosters a sense of belonging and encourages collaboration between families and educators.
- Awareness Campaigns: Community awareness campaigns can inform residents about the importance of supporting local schools. These campaigns can highlight volunteer opportunities and promote events that benefit educators and students.
- Professional Development Opportunities: Communities can offer workshops or training sessions for educators to enhance their skills. These sessions can be led by local experts or organizations focused on education.
By fostering strong community ties, schools can create a supportive environment that benefits both educators and students, ultimately leading to improved educational outcomes.
Q: How does Learning Ally support literacy instruction for students, especially those with dyslexia?
A: Learning Ally provides educators with powerful tools and resources, including access to a vast library of human-narrated audiobooks. These audiobooks are designed to support diverse learners, including students with dyslexia and other reading challenges, by providing alternative access to the curriculum. This helps improve reading comprehension, vocabulary acquisition, and overall literacy skills.
Q: What role do audiobooks play in improving literacy for students with learning disabilities?
A: Audiobooks are a game-changer! They allow students with dyslexia and other learning disabilities to access the same curriculum as their peers, without being held back by decoding difficulties. By listening to audiobooks, students can focus on understanding the content, building vocabulary, and developing a love for reading. Learning Ally’s human-narrated audiobooks are particularly effective, as they provide engaging and expressive readings that enhance comprehension and engagement.
Q: How can I, as an educator, get involved with Learning Ally and access these resources?
A: There are many ways to get involved! You can start by exploring the Learning Ally website to learn more about membership options, professional development opportunities, and the vast library of audiobooks available. You can also join the Learning Ally Educator Community to connect with other educators, share best practices, and access valuable resources.
Q: How does Learning Ally promote dyslexia awareness, and why is it important?
A: Learning Ally is deeply committed to dyslexia awareness because understanding and early intervention are crucial for student success. We provide resources, training, and support to help educators identify and support students with dyslexia. By raising awareness, we aim to create more inclusive and supportive learning environments where all students can thrive