The Giving Tree of Teaching

Long after they’ve retired, many educators can envision their classrooms just as vividly as their first homes. Brightly colored borders.Neatly stacked resource books. Posters that could make a student laugh or learn—or both. A plush rug. A shiny globe. These are just some of the images that for decades have helped transform once empty school rooms into vibrant places of learning.

But educators know it takes more than TLC to transform a classroom into something special. Money is often in short supply for teachers, especially those who are new to the profession and who may be saddled with college debt. And as everyone knows, a quick trip to a discount store—even one boasting bargains for a buck—can be fun but costly. In fact, it’s not unusual for first-year teachers to spend $200 or more to decorate and set up their rooms.

Paying it Forward

Marcela Kolarik, who has been teaching pre-school in Green Bay, Wisconsin, for about 10 years, remembers how costly and time-consuming it was to buy books, supplies, furnishings, and other much-needed items. She knew, somehow, setting up a classroom could be made easier and cheaper. A decade into the profession, Kolarik and other members of the local organizing committee—Jessica Seibert, Rachel Pope, and Tammy Schick—realized that the old-fashioned idea of using hand me downs could help take some of the sting out of the high cost of classroom materials and furnishings. So last year, Kolarik, with the support of Green Bay Education Association President Amanda VanRemortel and former local president Lori Cathey, tested the idea of a store where active teachers acquire gently used items that are no longer used by their retired counterparts. To her delight, the idea was enthusias-tically embraced by active and retired union members.

Today, new, active, and retired teachers alike are applauding the vision and construction of a “Great Room,” a place located in the union’s headquarters, where new and active teachers can shop for items and supplies donated by retired teachers.

Impressively, it took only a few months for the idea to become a reality. Items in the Great Room, which opened in August, including books, artwork, games, stickers, puzzles, bookcases, and more are in good condition, and proven to be effective. Best of all, every item is free for the taking.

Retirees Answer the Call, Again

The Great Room’s success is a credit to the vision of Kolarik and others. It has the backing of the Green Bay Education Association, and, most importantly, the participation of veteran teachers who didn’t want to see their beloved classroom items gathering dust in someone’s attic. Jeanne Lund, a retired elementary teacher, was one of many who was eager to help out.

She retired after teaching elementary students for 33 years. She remembers pouring time, energy, and funds toward ensuring her classroom would be a comfortable and learning-conducive environment for a roomful of 6-year-olds. “I had so many things that would be valuable to other teachers, especially new teachers who don’t have a lot of things and don’t have the money to spend on their classrooms. It makes me feel good to know that these new teachers could go to the Great Room and choose some wonderful items for free.”

Lund and other retired teachers were so generous with their classroom donations that the union space dedicated to donations was soon filled to the brim.

The Rewards of Union Membership Amanda VanRemortel, president of the Green Bay Education Association, says, “I think the Great Room shows how teachers want to help each other in meaningful ways. The amount of donations the store received was heartwarming, and I know the items were appreciated by new and even more experienced teachers. It took a lot of work for the store to come together, but I hope other unions throughout the country will do something similar. It’s a great way to support our profession.”