Every year teachers spend hundreds of their own money for supplies to make sure all students can reach their full potential inside the classroom. This year we wanted to show our appreciation to teachers in Columbia, SC by hosting a Teacher Wish List Giveaway.
To be eligible for this giveaway, teachers in Richland County had to submit their Amazon Wish List and fill out a form on our website. From there, we randomly selected 12 teachers to receive $250 worth of school supplies from their wish list. In total, we gave away $3,000 worth of supplies to aid them in serving kids in our community.
We enjoyed meeting with all the teachers who won. During our time talking, we asked each teacher to highlight their favorite part about teaching and here is what each of them had to say:
- Nakima Brinson, Forest Lake Elementary
My favorite part of teaching is teaching children new things, building relationships, and being a part of the preparation of future leaders. I want them to be prepared academically and socially. I know that these students are our future.
- Renee Nash, Lonnie B. Nelson Elementary
I love creating positive relationships with my students and watching them feel safe to take risks. Teaching is never easy but always worth it!
- Aundrea Marshall, Lonnie B. Nelson Elementary
My favorite part of being a teacher is seeing the growth and development in my students with special needs! They fight twice and sometimes three times as hard to reach their individual milestones but they never give up in spite of the challenges they face!
- Maritza Hines, Bookman Road Elementary
Seeing my students who have been diagnosed with ASD make progress.
- Jessica Jones, Blythewood High School
Getting to connect with my students and watch them grow and mature.
- Brandy Hagood, Bethel-Hanberry Elementary
The kiddos. Watching them be successful and all the funny things second graders tell me.
- Kenzie Edmisten, Polo Road Elementary
My favorite part of being a teacher is impacting the lives of students who might not have the best home lives. I love getting to impact students by encouraging them to become trustworthy, kind, and compassionate members of society. One of my favorite things to teach about is character and what it means to have good character.
- Maya Genwright, Lake Carolina Lower Campus
My favorite part about being a teacher is seeing all of the progress my students have made at the end of the year. Being a special ed preschool teacher, teaching three year olds, a lot of people believe they won’t make a lot of progress. However, if you’re consistent and develop a routine, the rest will flow.
- Sarita Rivera, Lake Carolina Lower Campus
I love to see my students achieve their goals and reach their full potential.
- Breana Thomas, Round Top Elementary
Establishing relationships with students and their families, being there for my students academically and personally, and making learning fun!
- Katherine Ketaner, Brennen Elementary
I love building relationships with my kids and being a positive role model. I love facilitating their growth toward becoming productive citizens!
- Creiana Bailey, Lake Carolina Lower Campus
I love watching them grow; not just academically, but as a whole. To watch them enter my room as shy 5-6 year olds and leave as brave and proud 6-7 year olds!
It was a pleasure getting to know all of these teachers and being able to make a difference in a child's education in Columbia, South Carolina. We appreciate all that these teachers do and are so happy to be able to help through our Giving (Every) Tuesday program!