Illiana’s Sharon Bultema uses gift to enhance her classroom
by Haleigh Olthof, Illiana journalism student
LANSING, Ill. (October 2017) – Ms. Sharon Bultema, a Spanish and history teacher at Illiana, has received $1,000 to use in her classroom through a fundraiser by Burlington Coat Factory’s Lansing branch and AdoptAClassroom.org.
Burlington Coat Factory in Lansing used AdoptAClassroom.org to choose which teacher would receive the money made in their second annual fundraiser, which raised $200 last year.
“They chose me because I was in Lansing,” said Bultema, and then a Burlington employee called her on October 2.
Bultema was skeptical at first, but after two more phone calls with the employee, she entered information about her classroom on AdoptAClassroom.org and received the funds October 9.
Bultema has used the money to buy new, improved mini whiteboards for in-class activities, because, she explains, “”My current mini-whiteboards are worn-out and falling apart. My students use them a lot to practice verb conjugations.” Bultema also plans to buy a new podium with wheels and a large hourglass for in-class games.
AdoptAClassroom.org’s mission is “to give teachers a hand and provide needed classroom materials so their students can succeed.” Bultema’s profile on the site gives information about her classes and lists potential classroom expenses: the mini-whiteboards, technology resources, and new classroom furniture.
Bultema views the surprise funding as a gift from God. “It’s really encouraging, and I hope it will enhance my classroom,” she said.
Illiana Christian High School is located at 2261 Indiana Avenue in Lansing.
