Turning Concern into Action: How You Can Support Our Educators Right Now?
By Jewel Wiesinger, Union County Education Foundation Board Chair and Amy Sperry, Executive Director
If you’re feeling frustrated about the challenges facing our teachers and schools, you are not alone. We’ve seen it, heard it, and felt it too. Here is the good news: together, we can turn concern into action.
Below are a few simple ways you can make an immediate difference. This list isn’t exhaustive, but it is a starting point. Every effort, large or small, helps lift up the educators who pour their hearts into Union County Public Schools every day.
1️. Give to Your School’s Parent Teacher Organization (PTO)
Both of us have children in elementary school, and we’ve seen firsthand how powerful an active PTO can be. Whether it’s organizing a Fun Run, raising funds for supplies, encouraging business sponsors to get involved. or supporting teacher appreciation events, these groups make a real impact.
If your school doesn’t have a PTO, or if it’s inactive, you can help change that! Start one, join one, or offer your skills and enthusiasm to get things moving. A strong PTO creates a strong school community.
2. Give Teachers What They Truly Need
While we all love a cute mug or a “World’s Best Teacher” gift, what teachers often need most are practical supports: gift cards for groceries, gas, or a coffee “pick-me-up,” allow teachers to choose what is most helpful.
So, skip the candle this year and give a gift card tucked inside a handwritten note of appreciation or a piece of art by your child. It is a simple way to say, “I see you. You matter.” Teachers may not always say it out loud, but trust us, they have told us this means the world.
3. Ask for Your Teacher’s Classroom Wishlist
Many teachers share Amazon, Target, or Walmart wish lists filled with necessary classroom supplies, everything from pencils to books to sensory tools. Ask your child’s teacher what is on theirs and surprise them by checking an item or two off the list.
You’ll be giving exactly what is needed most, while reminding teachers that their community is behind them. Small gestures like this can make a big difference in a classroom’s day-to-day life.
4. Give to the Union County Education Foundation
Our mission is simple: Support Students and Encourage Educators.
We do this through our Innovation Grants, which fund creative projects that transform classrooms and strengthen school culture.
We are not a traditional foundation with an endowment; we are a community-powered nonprofit that depends on donors like you. The more we grow, the more we can give back to UCPS educators.
This year, we awarded two new THRIVE Grants of $14,000 each to Porter Ridge Elementary and Waxhaw Elementary to expand their “House System” programs, creating belonging and unity for every child. When we surprised the winners, one teacher covered her face and cried tears of joy. That moment reminded us just how deeply our educators need to feel seen, heard, and valued by their community.
In addition, five other teachers received LIFT grants (Leadership and Innovation Funding for Teachers) to support their transformative ideas.
You can help make more moments like that possible.
Join our movement to Support Students and Encourage Educators by making a gift at: https://ucedfoundation.org/how-to-help/
Together, we can transform frustration into fuel and build the kind of community where every teacher feels supported, and every student can thrive.
