Southfield teacher uses crowdfunding to help create safe space for her students
Third grade teacher Ronya Croitori says she reached her goal thanks to a generous WDET listener.
An elementary school teacher in Metro Detroit has turned to the public to help her students have a safe spot away from classroom activity.
Ronya Croitori is a third grade teacher at McIntyre Elementary in Southfield. She joined CultureShift to discuss the crowdfunding campaign to purchase a small table and chairs for her nearly two dozen students.
Crotori says the table is necessary for students to be able to take a rest from any overwhelming activities they may be involved in during the school day.
“It’s very difficult to teach the whole class at once (after the pandemic). I have to teach in small groups — (they) need ‘brain breaks’ and more attention on social and emotional well-being for the kids,” Crotori said.
“The kids are overwhelmed, they cry easily. It’s heart-breaking.”
Croitori empathizes with her students’ struggles. Due to the pandemic, this is the first school year that her students are attending in-person classes full time.
Listen to the entire interview using the player above.
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