During a recent appearance on the Wake Up With Dee Morning Show, Dr. Elaine H. Thurmond, Founder and President of the Classrooms That Inspire Foundation, Inc., discussed her passion for supporting educators and creating stronger learning environments for students across Metro Atlanta.
Classrooms That Inspire Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to helping certified first-year teachers succeed by providing classroom enhancement resources that improve teaching and learning. The organization recognizes that many new teachers spend their own money to purchase supplies, educational materials, and classroom resources needed to create welcoming and engaging learning spaces for their students.
The Foundation’s mission is to support certified first-year teachers by providing classroom enhancement resources that foster equitable, engaging, and high-quality learning environments for students in underserved communities.
At the heart of the organization’s work is its Classroom Enhancement Grant Program. These grants help teachers obtain instructional materials, classroom supplies, literacy resources, STEM materials, technology, flexible seating, and other tools that directly enhance student learning and classroom engagement.
Dr. Thurmond shared that the Foundation’s inaugural grants were awarded to three certified first-year teachers at Eastside Elementary School and one teacher at a Douglas County Head Start program. As funding and partnerships continue to grow, the Foundation plans to expand its reach to serve more first-year teachers in Title I schools and underserved communities throughout Metro Atlanta.
The impact of the Foundation is already being felt in classrooms across the region. Classroom Enhancement Grants have been awarded to teachers in Atlanta, Cobb, Clayton, Douglas, and Gwinnett County schools. The grants have supported educators serving students in Pre-K, Kindergarten, First Grade, Fourth Grade Science, Fifth Grade Science, and Special Education classrooms.
Dr. Elaine Thurmond
Dr. Thurmond emphasized that investing in teachers early in their careers strengthens not only educators but also the students, families, schools, and communities they serve. By helping teachers build inspiring classrooms from the very beginning, the Foundation is helping lay the groundwork for long-term student success.
Community members, businesses, and organizations are encouraged to become Founding Sponsors and support the Foundation’s efforts to expand future Classroom Enhancement Grants. Every contribution helps provide valuable resources that empower teachers and enrich the educational experiences of students throughout Metro Atlanta.
For more information about the Classrooms That Inspire Foundation, Inc., visit Classrooms That Inspire Foundation or contact Dr. Elaine H. Thurmond at .
Be sure to tune in to the Wake Up With Dee Morning Show with Dr. Dee Dawkins-Haigler, Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m., on WAOK and through the AUDACY app for informative conversations with community leaders, educators, elected officials, and changemakers making a difference throughout the region.
