Ink from the red Sharpie bled through to the second page of my essay, making the “F” impossible to ignore. It was my first semester in college, and the first time I’d ever failed a writing assignment. “See me after class,” read the note under my grade.

An hour later, lost in a haze of panic, I cautiously approached my English 101 professor’s desk. He explained that my ideas were good, but the structure of the essay needed to be revisited. Meandering and discursive, my masterpiece had not followed the assigned template. 

“Rewrite it, show you understand what I’m looking for, and your grade will be based on the new essay,” my teacher offered. 

When I got my restructured essay back, a big “A” was scrawled next to the title in green ink.

I don’t remember the topic of the paper, but I’ll never forget the second chance. My professor believed in my ability to learn and adapt to a new style of writing. He took extra time to show me where I could improve. He didn’t let my first attempt define me – or my grade – for the rest of that formative semester.   

Instead, that second chance defined the rest of my college career. From that point on, I excelled at writing. The university hired me to tutor my peers. I graduated with high honors with a BA in English. Now, when people ask what I do for work I proudly tell them I am a writer.

Teaching is one of those incredible occupations with daily opportunities to positively influence people in ways they might never forget. It is pretty much safe to assume that we have all been deeply affected by at least one teacher. 

Unfortunately, despite the impact they make on young lives, teachers are often underpaid, overworked in overcrowded classrooms, have to use their own money for room decorations and essential learning materials, and spend too many of their few hours off campus grading papers and designing learning plans. A career as a teacher comes with many drawbacks, not least of them the modern lethal threats to classroom security in the United States.  

So why would anyone choose to become an educator? My theory: the love of seeing young minds open, hope for the future and the immutable belief in any student’s ability to improve, no matter how bad their first draft. 

This Teacher Appreciation Week (May 5 to May 9, 2025), I have the honor of introducing three Give Lively member nonprofits supporting teachers across the country. After reading, perhaps you’ll take a moment to let a teacher in your life know how important and appreciated they are. 

The nonprofits

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Computer Science Teachers Association

The vision of the Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA) is to ensure that every student is prepared for a world powered by computing. It does this by uniting, supporting and empowering educators to enhance the quality, accessibility and inclusivity of computer science education. CSTA understands that teaching computer science is hard, spurring the need for its dedicated team and teacher-led Board of Directors to focus on creating a strong and supportive environment for K–12 educators. 

The Computer Science Teachers Association’s Contribute to CSTA webpage lists a variety of ways donors can support the organization, including a call for donors to create their own Peer-to-Peer Fundraising pages with Give Lively and a link to its Give Lively-powered Core Profile fundraising page.

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The Teacher Collaborative

This organization is a Massachusetts community built by teachers, for teachers. The Teacher Collaborative envisions a future where every teacher has access to the rich peer connections, support and learning opportunities that will enable them to feel fulfilled as individuals and to thrive as educators. The organization offers programs designed to unite educators, elevate teachers as experts, support collaboration across schools, and celebrate and share practices that benefit all students. Educators from any Massachusetts school are welcome to participate free of charge.

The Teacher Collaborative links to a Give Lively-powered Campaign Page to collect donations through its website.

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City Teaching Alliance

This organization aims to address some of the biggest challenges in education, including teacher turnover, understaffed classrooms and a shortage of certified and community-driven educators that can lead to unmet student potential. It does this by supporting aspiring educators to reach their potential and launch an impactful and rewarding career, City Teaching Alliance helps teachers receive a Master of Arts in Teaching through its partner American University. The four-year program has welcomed over 2,500 candidates and expanded to nearly 315 schools, impacting over 400,000 students in Baltimore; Dallas; Washington, DC; and Philadelphia. 

City Teaching Alliance links to a Give Lively-powered Campaign Page to collect donations through its website.