Kellyville Academy Aternative Education teacher Jennifer Childers is one of four winners in the national classroom furniture giveaway from furniture maker KI. Childers is one of over 500 teachers who submitted their classroom dream design and boy did it pay off. She was awarded $40,000 worth of furniture to bring her classroom vision to life. One hundred percent of Childers students come from low-income households, 67 percent are parent incarceration/loss of parent, with 30 percent being recovered dropouts but 100 percent outstanding, talented and loving.The majority of the students have anxiety, depression, and/or focus concerns but are creative and artistic.
Childers heard about the competition when she attended a OSDE convention. KI Furniture had a booth set up at the convention. After talking with a representative from KI and being encouraged to share her story of her passion to the academy and apply for a grant. Childers discussed the opportunity with her students. A student centered approach was important to Childers. The students gave their input. Some feel like the classroom is their second home. Childers dream class room would be one that when the student entered they knew they were loved and respected with a mutual understanding that their interests and voice matters everyday. This new dream classroom would allow the students the opportunity to read, study and learn in a relaxed setting. One student said that she needs a calming place where she can go when she gets overwhelmed or stressed. Another stated that Ms. Childers gives everyone an opportunity, it is very obvious that she knows and understands her students.
Childers came up with a design that focused on color, layout and function. They researched color therapy. Blue, green, and orange colors ease anxiety and stress. A consistent pattern of color was chosen as research found that consistent color combinations can help with remembering information presented.
Childers is very passionate about the environment she provides her students. “The results of bringing new resources to my students are priceless,” says Childers. With budget cuts and lack of funding from the state, the teachers are financially responsible for the aesthetics of their classrooms. Every year Childers shops anywhere from yard sales, to store closings and Facebook Marketplace to find resources that will impact her students learning. Childers stated, “My students thought it was cool when I purchased tables at a TGI Fridays that was being remodeled.” Childers students are going to love this new classroom.