Listening to Teachers: Turning Ideas into Action

Over the past several weeks, I’ve been visiting buildings across Northwest Allen County Schools, asking teachers one simple question:

“What would make the biggest difference for your students right now?”

The answers have been thoughtful, inspiring, and grounded in what students truly need to succeed.

From the Basics… to Big Ideas

Teachers are asking for everything from the essentials — markers, highlighters, baby wipes, construction paper — to resources that expand learning opportunities, like novels, curriculum-aligned enrichment technology, and math games.

Some requests focus on the whole child, like learning to ride a bike, which builds confidence, coordination, and independence. Others are about classroom organization, equitable access to experiences, and creative incentives to engage students.

“Ideas that save planning time while providing high-quality instruction are just as valuable as hands-on learning tools that get kids excited.”

Removing Barriers, Supporting Students

Many of the ideas I’m hearing are designed to make teaching more efficient while increasing student engagement.

Take interactive learning games used in station rotations, for example. Right now, teachers have to find or create the game, print all the resources, cut them out, laminate each piece, and organize everything into a folder or container. If there are multiple student groups using the game at the same time, they have to duplicate all of that work. This prep can easily take 3–4 hours for just one interactive game. And even then, there’s often limited immediate feedback to let students know if they’re correct or where they need guidance — which is essential for learning.

Interactive boards can solve all of these challenges. They save teachers hours of prep time, increase student engagement, and provide instant feedback to guide learning. Flexible seating, hands-on STEM tools like ChompSaws, and other classroom resources work in similar ways — helping teachers provide high-quality, engaging experiences while reducing the strain of endless prep work.

When we remove barriers for teachers, we remove barriers for students. Students can focus, participate, and learn in ways that are meaningful, interactive, and fun.

Expanding Opportunity for All Students

One of the most exciting conversations has been around inclusive preschool and equitable access across our schools. Teachers want every child to have opportunities to learn together in an environment that’s fun, play-based, and foundational for Kindergarten readiness.

When children start READY, everything that follows improves — socially, academically, and emotionally. Expanding preschool access also supports families and strengthens our community.

Turning Conversations Into Action

At the NACS Education Foundation, our role is simple: listen, then act.

These conversations guide everything we do — from classroom grants and hands-on learning projects to technology and enrichment access. Supporting teachers means supporting students. Equipping classrooms means opening doors for learning.

“When teachers are supported, students thrive.”

I’m grateful to every teacher who has shared their ideas, needs, and dreams. I will continue to meet with teachers and leaders across the district to make sure that their hopes and dreams are our sole focus.

And with your help, we can turn these conversations into real, tangible impact across our schools.

If you would like to support the needs of the students and teachers at Northwest Allen County Schools, please donate at nacseducationfoundation.org/founders-campaign