DUNEDIN, Fla. — Teachers received a helping hand at the second annual Teacher Fest, aimed at easing the financial burden of classroom decoration and supplies.
The event offered educators the chance to win gift cards and gift baskets to decorate their classrooms.
Sandy White, a teacher with over 25 years of experience, emphasized the importance of such gestures, noting that she spends roughly $300 annually on classroom decor to enhance student engagement.
“Students will come in and see, oh look, now what are we learning? And it might be very simple, but you can have them help add to it, and it keeps them engaged for sure,” White said.
Co-organizer Stephanie Ferreira, who runs the Mobile Stem Academy, is also a teacher.
She said she spent a lot of money each year as well.
“I taught high school for a very long time, and it was all science. So I would spend probably $2,000-$3,000 a year, if not more, of my own money,” Ferreira said.
Teacher Fest aims to alleviate these expenses and show appreciation for teachers’ dedication.
Organizers plan to expand the event next year to support even more educators.