How to help teachers this back-to-school season

 

How to help teachers this back-to-school season

By Bill Gates | August 2, 2023

When I was a kid, the back-to-school season was never my favorite time of year. These days, though, I love it—not because I’m returning to the classroom myself, but because I get to tell you about amazing teachers who go above and beyond for their students, teachers like Dana Miles.

At the Washington School for the Deaf, which Dana graduated from and where she now teaches, students learn in both English and American Sign Language. Part of the Deaf community herself, Dana understands what her students need to learn in the classroom to succeed in and out of it. She has tailored her curricula accordingly, teaching three courses she describes broadly as “Adulting 101” where students learn vocabulary, grammar, and math in a real-world context and get work experience in the school’s coffee shop or office, or off-campus at a local bookstore, to prepare for the future.

There was so much about my conversation with Dana that impressed me, including how she’s teaching her students to use technology—which is improving for the Deaf community—to advocate for themselves. Clearly, I’m not alone. Dana Miles is the 2023 Washington State Teacher of the Year, and from the way her students talk about her (and the way she taught me a few ASL phrases), it’s obvious why. You can read more about Dana on my blog now.

Dana makes teaching look easy—but, of course, it isn’t. The past few years have forced teachers across the state and country to adapt so that students don’t get left behind. They deserve our support now more than ever.

That’s why the Gates Foundation is partnering with DonorsChoose to get teachers the resources they need to help students succeed. Right now through midnight Pacific time tonight, we’re matching every donation on DonorsChoose by 50%. That means if you donate $20 to a classroom project or supply request, we’ll chip in an extra $10.

Join me in supporting teachers through DonorsChoose. Every donation helps.

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