Teachers for Kids

About
The Teachers for Kids (TFK) placement offers teacher candidates a unique opportunity to experience the broader role of educators as community leaders and advocates for equity. Candidates will engage with teachers, education workers, and administrators who volunteer their time to ensure all students have equal access to school life. This makes it especially meaningful for student teachers interested in applying for a teaching career with KPRDSB, as they will gain direct experience working alongside KPR educators and leaders. The placement provides exposure to grassroots fundraising, organizational planning, and community-driven initiatives that directly impact children and youth. 

Learning Outcomes
Teacher Candidates will:

• Attend monthly after-school TFK committee meetings alongside teachers, education workers.
• Participate fully in committee business, including having a vote on decisions. This means contributing to discussions about the best ways to assist children and families in need. For example, while most of our support falls within our mandate (sports, trips, clubs, clothing, essentials), there are times the committee chooses to step outside those boundaries. One year, a high school student who had recently lost her father, her only remaining family member, wished to have a headstone to visit. The committee voted to support this, made the necessary calls, and ensured a headstone was provided. Teacher candidates will experience firsthand the compassion and responsibility that guides such decisions.
• Assist in creating newsletters and communications for schools and supporters.
• Support the planning and execution of special projects and fundraisers (e.g., Jeans Days, silent auctions, 50/50 draws).
• Help coordinate school-based fundraising initiatives, learning how these events translate into direct student support.
• Contribute to ongoing communication and outreach efforts, including celebrating milestones such as TFK’s 40th anniversary. These tasks provide practical, hands-on experience in project planning, community engagement, and collaborative decision-making, while reinforcing the values of equity and inclusion in education.

Contact
If interested, please contact Bern Kelly - bernardkelly@trentu.ca