As Education Fund Turns 25, Teachers Are Thankful

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY (CBS4) – For the last 25 years, a local non-profit organization has been the first place teachers turn to help make learning come alive for their students.

As the Education Fund turns 25 this year, Miami-Dade teachers reflect on the tremendous teaching and learning made possible by what some call the best kept secret to helping our schools.

"The Ed Fund has had a profound impact on my growth as an educator and on my abilities to engage students in meaningful learning," said Ms. Murali, who has been teaching kids in elementary for the last 17 years. "Through its various programs, the Ed Fund has given me opportunities to purchase materials and to gain knowledge through grants."

Mr. Mesa is a current school administrator and former art teacher. He thinks the support teachers receive is critical.

"With the way things are today and the financial situation there is no way that the system could provide what the Ed Fund provides to the teachers and the students," said Mesa.

The money they've raised from the private sector helps improve local public schools.

"We've given over 38 million to schools. We've helped 10-thousand kids get computers. We've put $6.1 million of school supplies into schools," said Education Fund President Linda Lecht. "For 25 years, companies like Assurant, Ford Motor Company and Wells Fargo and more have helped us."

But the Ed Fund still needs your help to help South Florida teachers. If you'd like to become a member of the education fund, visit http://www.educationfund.org/. With budget cuts looming, even more public school teachers will be counting on The Education Fund.