Winters Elementary School teacher Jen Surmeian attended the AFT Conference, TEACH, this week in Washington, D.C. and came home with a bit more than just inspiration.
After attending three days worth of inspiring workshops, Mrs. Surmeian entered a contest challenge by AFT’s President Randi Weingarten asking, “What does #FreedomToTeach mean to you?”
Of course, Pawtucket’s own developing Community School liaison was 1 of 9 educators out over 1,200 who attended the conference to be selected to receive the $1000 award sponsored by Donors Choose.
In short, Mrs. Surmeian focused her response on developing relationships with local universities and and enhancing teacher training within the school district, two ideas which are clearly shared ideals with AFT union leadership.
DonorsChoose.org is a non-profit organization that allows individuals to donate directly to school-based projects of their choosing.