ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — A former Pinellas County teacher is still doing a lot to support students and teachers — in fact, Melissa Ley helped to start a nonprofit to do just that.
Ley was a teacher with Pinellas County Schools for three years, but then decided to focus on homeschooling her two children.
What You Need To Know
Melissa Ley is a former Pinellas County teacher
She helped to start Florida’s Unique Education Learning Support, or FUELS
FUELS provides classroom supplies for teachers, free professional development and student care closet supplies, among other things
Ley’s experience in the classroom gave her an appreciation for the needs of teachers and the lack of resources they often face. She started an organization called Florida’s Unique Education Learning Support or FUELS, which provides classroom resources for teachers and items for school care closets for students in need.
On a recent morning Ley and FUELS treasurer Maureen Price were taking large bags of personal care items to two schools.
“So, tons of personal care items. Shampoo, deodorant. Personal hygiene things. Snacks. They go like crazy,” Ley said as she took bags out from the back of her SUV in front of St Petersburg High School.
“It is the fun part,” she added. “Shopping for, delivering and seeing how excited they are is the fun part.”
A few moments later Ley and Price were meeting with school social worker Janna Vichaikul in her office to show her the items for her care closet.
“Lotions, then all of your deodorant, T-shirts and stuff like that,” said Ley.
Vicheikul said she was always grateful for the supplies.
“We didn’t want to be too greedy, and they really surprised with how generous their donations were,” she said.
FUELS has also donated some chairs and a mini fridge for the space where Vicheikul meets with students.
FUELS also provides thousands of books that teachers can use in their classroom libraries, provides free professional development training for educators and an annual teacher appreciation event.
Ley and Price also delivered care closet supplies to the Nina Harris Exceptional Student Education Center.
“Basic needs have to be met in order for students to learn,” said Ley as she and staff members were placing the personal care items on shelves. “So, without these things, without schools and us providing it, the students aren’t able to do what is important and learn.”