Early in my teaching career, there was a health lesson about the human life cycle. One stage is called middle adulthood, and a characteristic of people in this stage is the desire to give back to others. So, here I am.
This summer I have the chance to travel with a team of teachers to Costa Rica. I will work in urban San Jose where families struggle with daily hardships attributed to living in poverty. Children growing up in this area face unique challenges, and the teachers often do not have the training to address their academic or social/emotional needs.
As a team, we will study Eric Jensen’s book, Teaching with Poverty in Mind, to help us prepare materials to address the needs described by the teachers in this community. As we spend time with educators and community leaders, we will also gain an understanding of the challenges they face and learn from their experiences. Since we will be learning about the history and culture of San Jose, I will also be looking for ways that I can bring this experience back into my classroom and develop connections.
So, here I am. Each team member has been asked to raise funds to cover the expenses and resources for this service opportunity. This is a volunteer service trip facilitated by the non-profit organization INGAGE UNLIMITED. All contributions are 501(c)3 tax deductible donations, and they can be made online at http://ingageunlimited.org/donate. Just select the project, Costa Rica, and then you can put your donation amount in the field next to my name. Your donation will assist with our travel and provide support for the teachers, families, and students with whom we engage along the way.
Please let me know if you have any questions, and thank you for your consideration.
Humbly,
Greg Luedtke
Fifth Grade
Arnett C. Lines Elementary School
217 John Snow Avenue
Barrington, IL. 60010
(847) 842-7648