Teacher Challenges Her Class In A Unique Way
I think most of us agree that teachers don’t have it easy. It’s long hours, a lot of pressure, and not nearly enough pay. But still, some are determined to give their students something that goes beyond a lesson plan. Christina Ulmer is one of them.
Christina teaches high school in Horsham, Pennsylvania. In honor of her sister who passed away, each semester she hands every student $20 with one simple assignment: do something kind with it.
Over the years, her students have baked cookies, sewn walker caddies, bought and delivered toys, stocked food banks, and the list goes on. Some pooled their money to make a bigger impact, and others simply handed the $20 to someone who needed it.
Word of Christina's $20 Kindness Challenge spread, and she began receiving so many donations that she formed a non-profit. You can read and watch more videos about how the challenge has impacted hundreds of kids and their community here.
What began in one classroom has now reached other schools and communities, growing into something much bigger than Christina ever imagined.
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Wonderland
I love this original idea that this teacher came up with and actually implemented it into her curriculum. I wish there were more people like her. I am not one to take the side that all teachers are wonderful. I have three children, and I was once a student myself. There are a lot of bad apples in the bunch! However, the choice of this profession, without high pay, is very noble. Their compensation is more than monetary. A true teacher is worth their weight in gold. God bless them!
Slipstream
She's an example of a wonderful human being. She would have been a delight in whatever profession she chose. Thank God she decided to teach. Her students will carry her goodness with them into adulthood. Thanks for your comment.
Evangel
I'm grateful that teachers around the country are finding novel ways to inculcate students with the traditional American values of charity, kindness, and helpfulness, and baking them into the curriculum. It's far better than forcing any religion's values on students as many charter schools are doing.
In this case, the horror of losing her sister in a tragic car accident sparked this amazing project, and Love (being what it is) is spreading the idea far and wide. I hope more schools find ways to promote these same values in their own school districts. I also agree with everything Wonderland said.
Slipstream
She's an amazing person, that's for sure. Thanks for your comment.
Homeless Valley
This is such a clear case of good coming out of something bad. Every good thing that transpires through the Kindness Challenge, whether it's the kids feeling good about being kind or the recipients of kindness, there's an angel out there smiling down on each of them. I can only imagine the joy and gratitude she feels for inspiring it all and her short life leaving such a legacy after all.
Slipstream
Thanks for your comment. She has a big heart, and she's putting it to use.
Well Street
I think I was 10 when, shortly before Christmas, my mom had me use my chores money to buy a toy (I remember it was a Spider-Man) for donation. She explained to me that many kids weren't fortunate enough to get presents, but my good deed would make Christmas merry for another little boy. This impactful lesson taught me the importance of compassion.
I love the idea of Ms. Olmer's students, and those at other participating schools, growing into adults who value understanding and empathy and share it liberally.