Senior elementary education foundations major Cindy Vang was worried about affording materials and textbooks for her classes this semester when she got some unexpected news—an anonymous donor was going to buy all the textbooks and classroom supplies for her “Foundations of Literacy” practicum and class.

“I feel extremely grateful towards the donor and hopeful that there are others who care for our future classrooms and teachers as well,” says Vang .

The donor, a CEHD alumna and former teacher who received support for books while she was a student and wanted to pay it forward, committed a generous sum so that CEHD could purchase books and supplies for the entire Fall 2019 cohort of students taking the “Foundations of Literacy” class and practicum.

The course often takes place on-site at an elementary school where participants apply what they learn in class to one-on-one lessons with a developing reader, or “reading buddy.” The collaboration helps C&I students practice their teaching skills and become familiar with school culture while advancing their reading buddy’s literacy learning.

“I was so thrilled to hear about the generous donation,” enthused senior elementary education foundations major Bailey Hutson. “It makes me so happy to know that there are such amazing people that are willing to invest in us future educators so that we, in turn, can invest in the leaders of tomorrow—our students.” She plans to use the books and supplies she bought for the class in her future classroom to create engaging reading lessons and experiences that will instill a love of reading and learning in her students.

The gift will keep paying forward as the pre-service teachers step into their own classrooms.

“Free books and supplies means I am able to use to the money I have set aside for these supplies on my future classroom,” said senior elementary education major Katie Hartmann who plans on using the books and supplies to help her future students become lifelong learners.

Consider supporting future initiatives that invest in teachers and students by giving to the Department of Curriculum and Instruction.