We often talk about the basic supplies that are crucial for student success, but outside of the paper and pencils there are several classroom-changing items that improve the learning experience.
 
Cheri Camacho, a Second Grade teacher at Grassy Creek Elementary, shared with us one of her recent treasured finds. 

"A few weeks ago, I found a "treasure" leaning up against the wall at Teachers' Treasures (8 foot long table)," she wrote. "It needed a little repair that my husband completed with two nuts and bolts! Now my students have a special place to work on their Chromebooks. Thank you Teachers' Treasures!"

If you're office is going through a period of spring cleaning, we hope you'll consider giving new life to furniture no longer needed by donating it to Teachers' Treasures.

Thank you, Cheri, for giving us a peek in your classroom! If you're interested in learning more about our donation opportunities, please click here.

Our volunteers are a huge part of our day-to-day operations. They keep the store in excellent shape and provide a wonderful experience to our teacher shoppers each week. That's why we're happy to introduce you to some of our hard-working volunteers on the blog to say thanks! This month, meet Imelda O'Connor.

How long have you volunteered at Teachers' Treasures?

I only started volunteering this year beginning in February - so I've only been around for about seven weeks, although it seems longer than that. I feel very much at home amongst the bookshelves.  

What do you typically do when you’re here?

I am still learning the ropes, and the training wheels are still very much on: I guess I am the Book Lady in Training. So mainly sorting/categorizing, shelving/displaying reading materials, books, professional teaching resources, DVDs etc.      

What’s your favorite part of volunteering?

I absolutely know I have found my home at Teacher's Treasures. I had been searching for a volunteer opportunity for a while and I just knew this was exactly what I wanted to do. Every individual who works or volunteers for TTs is so invested in the mission of helping teachers teach and children learn. I am sure all the teachers who frequent the store on shopping days feel that too. I love to come into the store after a shopping day to see the shelves are empty of a particular title or series we had on display. My girls have always been avid readers - so I am very fortunate in recognizing the 'hot stuff' when it comes to good reads. 

What do you do outside of Teachers’ Treasures? 

I am Mom to three incredibly amazing and exhausting teenagers . . . so as we parents all know that usually consists of being everything from Taxi driver, to banker, mender/fixer, teen counselor, STEM homework expert, cook and domestic slave so to speak.  When time permits I love to go to the movies, music concerts, travel, volunteering with Girl Scouting activities and trying to squeeze in trips to England to visit with my Mom when possible. 

Obviously we’re big fans of teachers! Who is a teacher that made an impact on your life?

I cannot recall one teacher in particular; however, I would like to share that I have seen the lifelong impact that so many teachers have had on my girls throughout the years.  It is something to see that my daughter's graduation guest list is so far half-filled with invitations to all the teachers who have helped her on her journey to the Class of 2016. This speaks volumes to me.  I am sure we will all agree - we all have that one special teacher who left an indelible footprint. 

Thank you for sharing your story and for all of your hard work at Teachers' Treasures, Imelda! 

Visit our Volunteer page to learn more about our current opportunities to get involved.

In addition to presenting three Teacher of the Year awards during our Dream Big event, we also took a moment to recognize a dedicated community member for their outstanding commitment to improving educational opportunities for children in the community. This year we were honored to name Heather Hall, Sun King Brewing’s Vice President of Community Development, our 2016 Caring Spirit Award recipient.

​Heather’s career began in education as a junior high social studies teacher. Her passion for teachers, classrooms, and students has grown with her work both professionally and personally. It is Heather’s hands-on approach to helping non-profits that is what is most notable. She takes all of her volunteer responsibilities very seriously and encourages others to the same, demonstrating servant leadership on a daily basis.

In Heather’s tenure in her role at Sun King, she has joined the board of IPS Educational Foundation, the Junior League of Indianapolis, Habitat for Humanity, and Second Helpings and active roles with the Indianapolis Museum of Art, Indiana State Museum, the Day Nursery, the Indianapolis Zoo, and the Benjamin Harris Historic Site.

“I am humbled by this recognition from Teachers’ Treasures,” said Hall. “My community serve pales in comparison to what educators do in classrooms every day.  I am grateful that an organization like Teachers’ Treasures exists to support the students and educators in our community.  I am deeply moved to be honored by this vital organization.”

“We are privileged to have such a strong mission-based leader here in Indianapolis influencing the community’s educational process and non-profit activities,” said Teachers’ Treasures Board Member Michael Ault. “Heather is a creative, passionate, and transformational leader and has become a woman of influence. We’re thrilled to be honoring her.”

Congratulations, Heather!