From Supply Lists to Surprise Gifts

New Adopt A Teacher Group Loves on Local Educators

by Charlotte Kovalchuk

As back-to-school season approaches, one Jarrell mom is adding something new to the academic checklist: a program that invites residents to adopt and encourage local teachers all year long.

After floating the idea in a local moms’ group, the response was overwhelmingly positive. “Everyone thought it was a great idea and couldn’t wait to support,” she says.

Bailey Easterwood launched a new Facebook group to connect community members with local teachers when they are in need of a little extra encouragement. Inspired by a similar initiative she participated in through Georgetown ISD, Bailey saw an opportunity to bring the same spirit of generosity closer to home. “I have been living in Jarrell for over seven years now, but my kids have attended Georgetown ISD for the last couple of years. GISD also has an adopt-ateacher, and I loved being part of it. My boys are transitioning to Jarrell ISD this year, and I really wanted to be able to spoil a teacher like I did last year.”

At the heart of the Adopt a Jarrell ISD Teacher group is a simple idea with lasting impact: community members “adopt” a local teacher for the school year and check in on them via small, thoughtful gestures. That could mean dropping off a favorite drink, sending classroom supplies, or putting together a themed holiday basket. For some teachers, even a bulk pack of tissues makes a differ- ence. “Last year I bought my adopted teacher a case of Costco tissues because they kept running out and that bulk item lasted the rest of the year,” Bailey says. “It’s the little things sometimes.”

Membership in the group has already surpassed 200 people and continues to grow. While many members are parents looking for ways to give back, others are teachers themselves who understand the day-today needs inside a classroom. One member in particular, Carrie Warseck, has already found a meaningful way to support fellow educators. A SPED paraprofessional for Jarrell ISD and mom of three JISD students, Carrie recently used her 3D printer to design and donate small fidget toys for local teachers. Bailey says, “This is the kind of impact I hope to have with this group, and we are just getting started.”

Join The Kindness Crew

The adoption process officially begins the first week of August, when teachers will begin posting introductions in the group, sharing what grade and subject they teach, and a bit about themselves. From there, community members can comment “adopted” to claim a teacher.

The commitment, Bailey emphasizes, doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming. “This isn’t supposed to drain your bank account, it’s supposed to show our appreciation towards a teacher throughout the year,” she says. That might mean a holiday basket with a few thoughtful items—a want, a need, a treat, and a surprise. Just keep the communication open so your teacher knows when to expect a delivery. “My goal is to reach as many teachers as possible and help grow this community into a place teachers want to be in,” she says. “If we can get 80 percent of teachers and the community to participate, I will be so happy.”

To join this growing wave of kindness, visit the Adopt A Jarrell ISD teacher Facebook group and sign up to support a local educator this school year. These screenshots are just a sampling of the profiles posted and teachers available for adoption.