Wells Fargo, Verizon and many other businesses join The Education Fund in raising awareness about the critical role of teachers
MIAMI, Dec. 1, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Bankers, accountants, marketing professionals and even high tech executives are finding out what it's like to be a public school teacher.
Nearly 200 business people are stepping into the shoes of a teacher as part of The Education Fund's Teach-A-Thon sponsored by Wells Fargo and Verizon Foundation.
Volunteers like Wells Fargo Area President Hector Ponte design their own lesson plans and teach a class in Miami-Dade County Public Schools. Then they tell their story to colleagues and friends, asking for a show of support. Proceeds benefit the classrooms where they taught and The Education Fund's programs that provide teacher training, implementation of innovative teaching methods and sorely needed classroom support.
"It was an enlightening afternoon and my admiration for our teachers continues to grow. I was exhausted," said Ponte, who taught fifth-grade students at Ethel Koger Beckham Elementary School in south Miami-Dade County about credit and interest.
The message of the Teach-A-Thon is simple: by recruiting the best to teach, by retaining good teachers, and by rewarding great teachers – that's how public education improves.
The Teach-A-Thon volunteers raise funds through Dec. 31. With a month left in the campaign, participants have raised more than $66,000. Since program's inception, The Education Fund's Teach-A-Thon has raised more than $500,000 for local schools
"Public understanding of the role of teachers is critical. It's by investing in teachers that we will be able to compete in the global marketplace," said Linda Lecht, president of The Education Fund.
The Verizon Foundation is also a major sponsor, fielding a dedicated team of employees to teach and raise funds.
"It was a great opportunity to give back and, more importantly, to experience a day in the life of a public school teacher," said Beth Bailey, associate director for government and education for Verizon in South Florida. "What these teachers do day in and day out is amazing. I tip my hat to all teachers."
To learn more or make a donation, visit Educationfund.org.
About The Education Fund
Over 30 years, The Education Fund has raised more than $46 million for Miami-Dade County Public Schools. The nonprofit seeks to design, shape, and implement innovative initiatives that involve the private sector in improving our schools and bringing excellence to public education.
Visit EducationFund.org.
Contact: Patricia Maldonado
[email protected]
305.490.8831
SOURCE The Education Fund
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