This project is a part of the Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month celebration because
it supports a Latino teacher or a school where the majority of students are Latino.
I am an English teacher at a charter school where over 75% of the students are Latino and most are low income. Unfortunately, most of my students do not have access to books at home and they have never developed a love of reading. I've found that many of my students read well below grade level, which is not surprising considering that the more you read, the better your reading comprehension.
We are a college prep school and our goal is to get 100% of our students to college. It is essential that my students raise their reading levels so they are ready to be competitive by the time they go to college. This is why I feel it is so important that my students learn how great reading can be!
My goal is to give my students access to high interest books that will spark a love of reading that will stay with them throughout their lives. I currently have a small classroom library and I try to help students find a book that will suit their interests and reading levels. I have had students who have found "the perfect book" and instead of passing notes, they are hiding their book so they can read it during class. The only problem is that all of my "good" books are often checked out, and the students who had a perfect book are quickly frustrated when they can't find another one. I want to revamp my classroom library so that it is stocked with enough books to suit all of my students' interests and keep them coming back for more!
The International Reading Association has compiled a list of high-interest books selected by students across the country. Because these books were reviewed and approved by other teens, I am sure they will capture the interest of the students at my school. Please help me bring these books to my classroom!
Thank you in advance for your consideration and for giving my students the opportunity to appreciate all that reading has to offer.
More than half of students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Ms. Lockhart and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.