At The Education Partnership, we know that our most valuable “resource” isn’t the supplies we provide, it’s the incredible teachers who use them. When partner schools visit our Teacher Resource Center, they leave with materials they can creatively transform into meaningful classroom experiences.
We’ve seen these items spark remarkable creativity in many schools, particularly in the creation of student resource and reward centers. Some schools dedicate a smaller space, like a closet or display area, to house items ranging from hygiene products to fun classroom prizes.
Devereux TCV Day Academy offers a wonderful example. Using items collected during teachers’ visits to Creative Corner, along with other donated supplies, they transformed a small room into a fully equipped resource hub called the “Confidence Closet.” Here, students can access haircare products, clothing, books, and even food to take home. In this way, students gain more than an education. They experience thoughtfulness, care, and a boost in confidence from their teachers.
Allegheny Intermediate Unit has taken a similar approach, but with a reward-focused twist. By repurposing an older trophy case, teachers created an “in-school store” filled with items from The Education Partnership. Students earn tickets through positive classroom behavior, which they can exchange for prizes. This system not only rewards effort but also helps instill habits and values that will benefit students for a lifetime.
At Jeannette Junior-Senior High School, one teacher created a “Take What You Need” station outside her classroom, offering daily essentials that students can discreetly take home. This resource proved invaluable during the recent government shutdown. “This project has been such a meaningful way to support our students’ well-being, and I’m thrilled to see its impact,” she shared.
These are just a few examples of how teachers make a lasting impact with supplies. We are grateful to every educator who has shared their stories with us. While we provide the resources, it’s the teachers who truly transform them into meaningful change in their classrooms.
Author: The TEP Team
