Share the education burden - adopt a teacher

Nothing galvanizes most communities more than their education systems. Coming to their aid in difficult times occurs almost like second nature.

Few would argue that the depressed economic times facing many of our communities and their education systems would be considered one of those times that community action is needed - right now.

With the school systems in Alabama facing substantial cutbacks in state funding, and with Gov. Bob Riley calling for a proration of 12.5 percent, hard times are being felt in the classrooms these days. For teachers, about 3,000 in number, in six southeastern Alabama counties, help could be just around the corner. How much help will be available, however, will depend upon the generosity of the citizens and businesses in the communities in which they serve.

The Foundation for Education and Teaching (FEAT), a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization, launched its Adopt-a-Teacher Program Monday night at a reception held at Wiregrass Rehabilitation Center. Amanda Nelson serves as the organization’s executive director, and Dothan businessman Mike Schmitz chairs the foundation’s board of directors.

Schmitz credits an elementary school teacher’s early intervention with helping him turn his life around to the point where he overcame early obstacles to later build a successful business in the automobile industry. That motivation inspired Schmitz to step forward to join FEAT and its Adopt-a-Teacher Program.

The program’s goal is simple - raise $100 for every public school teacher in six counties: Houston, Henry, Dale, Geneva, Coffee and Covington. That makes the goal of the program $300,000.

Schmitz has been involved in Dothan’s adopt-a-school program for many years. Mike Schmitz Automotive Group has adopted three schools. Through that program, he witnessed teachers taking money from their own pockets to purchase classroom supplies.

“I didn’t think it was right then, and I don’t think it is right now,” Schmitz said.

Following an address he made during a Troy University, Dothan Campus, commencement, Schmitz met Joey Lamb, owner of Teacher Tools. Through that meeting, the idea for Adopt-a-Teacher was born. But it was not yet launched.

“We were waiting to see what President Obama’s stimulus program would do,” Schmitz said. “We wanted to see what education was getting. No money was going to the teachers in the classroom.
“I went to the Yes, We Can folks, but they are not set up to take money.”

That gave rise to FEAT, which will oversee the Adopt-a-Teacher Program. Under this program, every dollar donated will go toward classroom supplies. The goal is to provide a $100 gift card from Teacher Tools to every public school teacher in the six-county area. Through a discount program offered by Lamb, that card will actually purchase $125 worth of supplies.

While the supplies are important, Schmitz says there is a more important message.

“It’s not about the money,” Schmitz said. “In difficult times we need to show these teachers that we care. In the six counties, there are 3,000 teachers. In Dothan alone, there are 600. In Houston County there are 400. I want folks to look at it that it’s for their teachers. They can designate which county they want to donate to.”

Jim Bixby, superintendent of the Geneva City School System and Geneva County’s coordinator for the Adopt-a-School program, sees the program as a means to send a positive message to public school educators.

“I know what comes out of their pockets,” said Bixby of the members of his school system. “I’m married to an elementary school teacher. I know what they give and the sacrifices they make. By taking part in this program, I feel that it is a way for me to give back to the teachers.

“I will gladly give of my time to talk to people (to donate) to show our teachers how much we care. It would mean so much to them if we could get the people in the community to help.”

The monetary gifts are helpful - the support is priceless.

Donations will be accepted through July 20.

“It’s a very simple concept,” said Amanda Nelson, executive director of FEAT. “We are hoping to raise $100 for every teacher. That money will provide a gift card for them to purchase school supplies. Donations can be made by designating a school system.”

Donation forms can be downloaded from FEAT’s Web site, http://www.FEATfoundation.org, and mailed to FEAT, P.O. Box 312532, Enterprise, AL 36331, or they can be made directly at the Web site. Or, forms can be picked up from each county advocate.

For more information on how you can take part in Adopt-a-Teacher, contact Amanda Nelson at 334-347-2275. Or, you can email questions to .