Texas Teachers - Alternative Certification

Projects supported by the Texas Teachers Charity Initiative:

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  Providing support services to the families and community affected by the December 2012 events in Newtown, Connecticut.

  United Way of Western Connecticut in partnership with Newtown Savings Bank has created the "Sandy Hook School Support Fund" to provide support services to the families and community that have been affected by the tragic events in Newtown, Connecticut.

  If you would like to donate, visit the Sandy Hook School Support Fund.

  

• "Cops and Kids" Program

  Uniting Harris County officers and underprivileged children.

  Working to improve the quality of life in the Harris County area, the Houston Metro Fraternal Order of Police #98 unites Harris County officers with an underprivileged child. Donated funds are used by the officer to take the child to a local store and purchase Christmas toys.

  If you'd like to donate or volunteer, visit Houston Metro Fraternal Order of Police #98.

  
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  Committed to providing direct financial assistance to families living with a pediatric cancer diagnosis.

  Founded in the spirit and legacy of Morgan Kamille Frazier, A Heart Like Hers Foundation offsets non-medical costs associated with treatment and social assistance programs to families affected with pediatric cancer.

  If you would like to donate, visit A Heart Like Hers Foundation.

  
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  Providing new holiday toys to needy children for almost 100 years.

  Each year, Goodfellows provides toys to nearly 58,000 children in over 18,000 families. Created and run by the Houston Chronicle, donated funds are used entirely to purchase toys.

  If you would like to donate, visit Goodfellows.

  
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  Coats for Kids distributes over 35,000 winter coats to children in need in Central Texas.

  Through the combined effort and generosity of donors and volunteers, Coats for Kids distributed a record 35,157 warm winter coats to children in need. Coats for Kids is a joint partnership of the Junior League of Austin, Jack Brown Cleaners, KASE 101 and KVUE.

  Texas Teachers staff Donna and Clay were among the many volunteers that met with families and helped pick out age and size appropriate coats.

  

• Houston Children's Charity Easter Party

  Houston Children's Charity hosts an annual Children's Easter Party for low income families and children in the Houston area.

  Featuring a petting zoo, pony rides, clowns, spacewalks, buffet, face painting and games, children received Easter baskets and enjoyed an afternoon on the grounds of the Northland Christian School.

  Texas Teachers staff Alicia, Lacey, Jenn and husband Chris volunteered to staff the event.

  
  

  Alicia, from our Houston office, assists with the pony rides.

  

  Alicia, Lacey, and Jenn's husband Chris at the activities table.

  

  Jenn, from our Houston office, and husband Chris pause to smile for the camera.

  
  

• Garland ISD Toy Run

  Texas Teachers Charity Initiative sponsors Toy Run and wraps over 600 gifts for students.

  Each year Garland ISD selects a different Chapter One elementary school in their district where 60-70 bikers take part in ride to surprise the students of the campus accompanied by Santa, a fire truck, a monster truck and a police escort. As the kids are seated in the gym, the Principal/Assistant Principal rides in on a Harley and gifts are handed out.

  Garland asks for donations from sponsors to purchase a book for each of the 625 students. Reading is a critical skill that every child must have to succeed in our society today.

  “Just want to say thank you guys for wrapping the books for us! You have no idea the load you took off of our staff! This time of the year as you know is critical to keeping kids focused. Your unselfish deed allowed teachers to stay focused and in the classrooms.”

  – Gaylon Garrison, Recruitment Coordinator, Garland ISD

  Texas Teachers staff wrapping gifts

  

  
  
  
  
  
  
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  Texas Teachers Charity Initiative is a Platinum sponsor for the Irving ISD Special Campus Award.

  The ICE (Irving Celebration of Excellence) Awards are designed to recognize excellent achievement by Irving ISD students, groups of students, campuses, and the district in general. Trophies are presented in six categories:

  • Humanities (English/Language Arts, Reading and Social Studies)
  • Math/Science
  • Fine Arts
  • Athletics/Physical Education
  • Community Service/Citizenship
  • Special Campus/District

  “The healthiest school climate is one in which there is a strong partnership between the school, parents and community. Your gift is an example of how successful this partnership can be.”

  – Neil Dugger, Ed. D., Interim Superintendent, Irving ISD

  View a letter from Irving ISD Ice Awards

  If you would like to sponsor, visit the ICE Awards.

  
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  Austin Partners in Education supports Austin Independent School District in delivering their curriculum through small-group learning.

  Over 700 Classroom Coaches have been recruited and trained. Each week, Partners in Education facilitated teams of 3-4 students, engaging every student in the classroom. Through relationships with caring adults, students developed self-esteem and built their capacity to learn. The result is improved student engagement and academic performance and a proven capacity to go to scale.

  If you would like to donate or volunteer, visit Austin Partners in Education.

  
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  For the Children, a non-profit organization, contributes to the education of public elementary school students in Travis, Williamson, and Hays counties by procuring and distributing basic school supplies.

  Campus allocation is based on the number of students qualifying for federal free or reduced-cost lunch programs. For the Children offers high quality service, provides school supplies in a timely fashion, and solicits input from key stakeholders to improve services.

  If you would like to donate, visit For the Children.

  
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  Texas Teachers is a corporate sponsor of The Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas and Project Learn.

  Project Learn reinforces and enhances the skills and knowledge young people learn at school during the hours they spend at the Club. The program is based on Dr. Reginald Clark's research showing that students do much better in school when they spend their non-school hours engaged in "fun" but academically beneficial activities. Through Project Learn, Club staff use all the areas and programs in the Club to create opportunities for "high-yield learning activities," which include leisure reading, writing activities, discussions with knowledgeable adults, helping others, homework help and tutoring and games like Scrabble that develop young people's cognitive skills. Project Learn also emphasizes parent involvement and collaboration between Club staff and school personnel as critical factors in creating the best after-school learning environment for Club members. Project Learn has been proven to boost the academic performance of Club members.

  “Thank you for choosing to support Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas. With help from generous people like you we are changing lives one child at a time!”

  – Charles English, President & CEO, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas

  View a letter from the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Dallas

  If you would like to donate or volunteer, visit the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas.

  

• Judson Youth Sports Foundation

  The Judson Youth Sports Foundation is dedicated to fostering and improving the quality of youth sports through competition and participation.

  Furthermore, the Judson Youth Sports Foundation will provide an environment where such life values as teamwork, cooperation, respect and self-esteem will be learned through a positive sports experience. This shall be accomplished through parents, friends, and neighbors participating in and directing the activities of the organization.

  If you would like to donate or volunteer, visit the Judson Youth Sports Foundation.

  
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  The Spring Branch Education Foundation is committed to realizing its mission: to provide every student a quality education in a safe environment.

  Funds raised through the Foundation allow the District to continue or expand value-added programs in reading, science, technology and the arts. The Spring Branch Education Foundation provides approximately $500,000 annually to fund SBISD programs like:

  • Community Network Student and Parent Program
  • Scholarships for graduating seniors at each SBISD high school
  • J. Landon Short Teacher Mini Grants Program
  • Arts Partners Program
  • The Altheretta Yeargin Art Museum
  • After School Student Mentoring Program
  • Teacher and Staff Development Program

  If you would like to donate or volunteer, visit the Spring Branch Education Foundation.

  
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  The Texas Teachers Charity Initiative sponsored the Annual "Cosmos and Cosmetics" to provide free eye exams and glasses for low-income, uninsured children in Houston.

  Eye Care for Kids is a non-profit created in 1998 which provides free eye exams and glasses to thousands of low-income, uninsured children in the greater Houston area each school year. Since its inception, Eye Care for Kids has provided eye care to over 18,000 children and was honored in 2007 by the American Public Health Association with the Outstanding Project in Vision Care award.

  If you would like to donate or volunteer, visit Eye Care for Kids.

  
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  All proceeds from the Aldine ISD Livestock Show go directly back to the students to help further their educations at a University, College or Trade school. These same students are also provided leadership opportunities through the FFA organization, to become tomorrow's leaders.

  The Aldine ISD Livestock Show has been one of the district's largest annual events since 1959. Students involved in our Agriculture Science and Technology Education programs use this opportunity to showcase their abilities in animal, plant, soil, and horticulture sciences, as well as welding and fabrication skills and management.

  If you would like to donate or volunteer, visit Aldine ISD.

  Texas Teachers staff Linley, Vernon, Stephaney, and Emily with Aldine ISD HR Nathan and Pete.

  
  

• Johnson Ferguson Academy

  Texas Teachers proudly sponsors tuition for one student for one year at the academy. This includes the cost of books and tuition in full.

  The Johnson Ferguson Academy is a private school that offers a comprehensive educational program to students. The scholar's needs are assessed and addressed in ways to challenge them to reach their fullest potential. The Johnson Ferguson Academy is a tuition and donor-driven institution. JFA receives no federal, state or other public assistance and is not endowed or supported by any organization.

  If you would like to donate or volunteer, contact Patricia Larke at 979-836-4156.

  

• Adopt-a-Family

  Irving ISD sponsors the annual Holiday Adopt-A-Family program in November. This valuable program gives individuals, organizations and companies the opportunity to "adopt" one or more economically disadvantaged Irving ISD students and their families for the holiday season.

  Pictured above is Texas Teachers staff Jennifer Gleaton with Adopt-a-Family recipient Melanie.

  Individuals, organizations and companies interested in adopting a family in need are encouraged to participate.

  Texas Teachers participated in the Irving ISD Adopt a Family Program. Melanie, an unemployed single mother pregnant with twins, wanted us to focus our efforts towards her 8 year old son. He is a second grader in Irving ISD. We were able to provide all new uniforms, various toys, and math and reading games.

  “Your organization has been so wonderful to my family and we cannot thank you enough for your generosity. You have truly made this a very special Christmas”

  – Melanie

  If you would like to donate or volunteer contact: Thelma Cantu at 972-600-5017 or tcantu@irvingisd.net

  
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  A Better Night's Sleep

  A Better Night's Sleep, a program of the Houston Children's Charity, allows Houston's special children to sleep comfortably every night.

  There are thousands of children in Houston who do not have beds, many of them sleeping on the floor. Scientific research has been conducted that links better performance in school to a good night's sleep. The goal of this new program is to provide beds to children who are sleeping on the floor, never having had a restful place to lay their head. HCC will also provide a bed frame, sheets, pillows, blankets and pillow cases for each bed given to a needy child.

  Since the program's launch and the outstanding support from the 11th Annual Gala in October, HCC has provided many children in Houston with exactly what the program offers: a better night's sleep. To date the program has distributed over 1,500 beds to children in the Greater Houston area. The program saw an increased demand in the Fall of 2008, following Hurricane Ike. Through the "A Better Night's Sleep Program" and with a generous donation from a local retailer, Mattress Firm, over 500 beds were distributed to needy children in our community. Texas Teachers is proud to have provided two beds.

  If you would like to donate or volunteer, visit Houston Children's Charity.

  

• DeSoto ISD Christmas Wishes

  Through financial support and volunteers, the Texas Teachers Charity Initiative took part in the Coats for Kids program, providing under-privileged kids with warm coats for winter.

  “I would like to give a heartfelt thank you for your generosity with our Christmas Wishes event. Because of your organization, our homeless population will receive a Christmas that they would not have had without your help. The smile on each child's face could have lit up a whole city. Again thanks for all you do for our children.”

  – Debbye Garner, M. Ed., MLA, Director, Parent Assistance & Community Partnerships, DeSoto ISD

  View a letter from DeSoto ISD Students

  Thank you cards from DeSoto ISD students

  

  Blair, from our Dallas office

  

  Rebecca, from our Dallas office, posing with the kids

  

  Jennifer M., from our Fort Worth office

  
  
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  Children's Christmas Party

  Each year HCC offers a Children's Christmas Party where 650 children from low income families in and around the Houston area have the opportunity to enjoy a fun filled day.

  Featuring a full hamburger/hotdog buffet, ice cream Sunday station, clowns, face painting, a special visit from our friends at SeaWorld, and of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus, every child will go home with special gifts selected right off of their "wish" list.

  Texas Teachers staff Cally, Kristina and Jenn were on site this past year to help HCC with the event.

  “It was really moving to see all those kids light up and be so excited and happy, they had no worries at all that day.”

  – Jennifer Cox, Texas Teachers Staff

  If you would like to donate or volunteer, visit Houston Children's Charity.

  Kristina, from our Houston office, helping staff the event

  

  Cally, from our Houston office, sorting through gifts

  

  
  
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  Children's Toy Distribution

  Needy families receive appointments to attend the Children's Toy Distribution where they select age and gender appropriate gifts for their children.

  Marines, along with many volunteers helped organize the efforts to reach out to Houston's special children. In total, the program benefited over 4,500 children for 1,514 individual families and over 7000 children from 21 local agencies.

  Texas Teachers staff Brandi and Lacey were on site to help HCC with the event.

  If you would like to donate or volunteer, visit Houston Children's Charity.

  Brandi from our Houston office volunteering

  

  
  
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  Maya's Fundraiser for Vision

  Maya is a sweet, affectionate, hard-working girl who even with her vision problem is a magnet student at Valley West Elementary.

  Maya has been diagnosed with Nystagmus and Coat's Disease. Nystagmus is the involuntary movement of the eyes, and Coat's disease is a visual/retinal problem that eventually leads to total detachment of the retina and total loss of vision.

  Maya needs specific utensils costing over $6,000 for visual support and with those tools the disease may not progress and she can retain her vision. Without these items, she is considered legally blind.

  What is Coats' Disease?

  Coats' disease is also known as Coats' Retinitis, Coats' Syndrome, Coats' disease is a very rare condition where there is abnormal development in the blood vessels behind the retina. The blood rich retinal capillaries break open, leaking the serum portion of the blood into the back of eye. The leakage causes the retina to swell, and can cause partial or complete detachment of the retina. It progresses gradually and affects central vision. If caught early, some level of vision can typically be restored. If not caught until its late stages, complete loss of vision can occur. In its final stages, removal of the affected eye is a potential outcome.

  What is Nystagmus?

  Nystagmus is an involuntary rhythmic shaking or wobbling of the eyes. The term nystagmus is derived from the Greek word, "nmstagmos", which was used to describe the wobbly head movements of a sleepy or inebriated individual. Nystagmus has also been described as "dancing eyes" or "jerking eyes".

  For more info or to donate, contact:
  Selene Ballestas
  6131 Grape
  Houston, Texas 77074
  713-201-8009

  Maya visits with Texas Teachers staff in our Houston office

  
  

• The Children's Assessment Center

  The Children's Assessment Center (CAC) provides a safe haven to sexually abused children and their families.

  We employ an extraordinarily effective, multi-disciplinary team approach in the prevention, assessment, investigation, referral for prosecution and treatment of child sexual abuse. Our goal is to promote the complete healing of child victims of sexual abuse and their families.

  The CAC is an accredited member of the National Children's Alliance, part of a national movement to create child-friendly intervention systems for sexually abused children and a member of the Children's Advocacy Centers of Texas. The CAC is also one of the largest advocacy centers of its kind in the nation.

  If you'd like to donate or volunteer, visit the Children's Assessment Center.

  

• "Share Your Christmas" Campaign

  Annual drive collects food, unwrapped toys, and monetary donations and distributed to the most needy families at Galena Park ISD campuses.

  Our "elves" package everything for distribution for distribution several days before Christmas and purchase Walmart gift certificates with the monetary donations.

  “Thank you very much for your generous donation to our annual Share Your Christmas Campaign! Our kids and their famililes truly need and appreciate your help! ”

  – Kathleen Bundy, Assistant to Board of Trustees, Galena Park ISD

  If you'd like to donate or volunteer, visit Galena Park ISD.

  Lindsay and Naseem, from our Houston office, presenting a check to Mr. Bourke Meagher, Associate Superintendent for HRCS