This 2009-2010 school year, Ruth Stroup Insurance Agency will honor some of the most exceptional and hard-working members of the community – teachers from the Oakland Unified School District. 

Each award-winning teacher will receive a $100 donation toward classroom needs, which will be made directly through DonorsChoose.org, an online charity that connects the public with classrooms in need.   

“Giving back to the community is the Farmers way and is something that I support whole-heartedly to help make a difference in Oakland,” said Ruth Stroup.  “By recognizing the public school teachers in Oakland and supporting them in their work, we help the community and the next generation of our community.” Just some of the supplies that Oakland teachers are in need of funds for, per the DonorsChoose.org site, include reading comprehension and math quiz cards, books, items to create a music listening center and materials for a four-year writing project.  

How to Make a Nomination

The first deadline to submit a nomination for the Oakland Teacher of the Month award is September 22, 2009.  Nominations should be made in the form of a 60-second video, clearly naming the Oakland school, the teacher, and the grades and/or subjects taught, and submitted via email to Ruth Stroup at rstroup@farmersagent.com.  In addition, the Ruth Stroup Insurance Agency will hold some open house days, and parents and children can come into the office to make their videos.   

Nominations may later be posted to YouTube, social media outlets such as Facebook and Twitter, and shared with the local media in an effort to raise awareness of the program, and to highlight the great work of Oakland’s teachers.

About DonorsChoose.org

Founded in 2000 by a social studies teacher in the Bronx and now open to every public school in the U.S., DonorsChoose.org helps public schools find the resources they need to help students thrive.  Today’s public school teachers are spending $1 billion from their own pockets each year on supplies. DonorsChoose.org makes it easy for any individual to address this inequity, one classroom at a time.  More information about DonorsChoose.org can be found at http://www.donorschoose.org.