Community Montessori School mobilizes support for exchange teacher

SUBMITTED BY COMMUNITY MONTESSORI

NEW ALBANY — Community Montessori, a leading educational institution in Southern Indiana, is rallying local support for Gloria, their dedicated exchange teacher from Nigeria. Facing transportation challenges in a region without a comprehensive public transit system, the school has launched a fundraising campaign to provide Gloria with a car, ensuring her ability to continue her impactful work at the school and within the community.

The school has received a generous donation of $2,000 from German American Bank, emphasizing the local community’s commitment to fostering cultural exchange. The contribution underlines the vital role that exchange teachers like Gloria play in local schools, especially at a time when staffing shortages are widespread.

Community Montessori has a history of embracing cultural diversity and supporting exchange teachers. Two years ago, the school community rallied together to support Joy, the previous exchange teacher, and her husband Johnson. Their experience was described as magical, with the warm reception and kindness of the community leaving a lasting impression.

“One of the unique strengths of our school is the cultural diversity we embrace,” said Barbara Burke Fondren, director of Community Montessori. “Gloria’s dedication to our learners is remarkable, and ensuring her mobility is not just about a car; it’s about empowering her to continue making a difference in the lives of our learners.”

Community Montessori participates in the Sagamore Institute’s J-1 Cultural Exchange Visa Program, enabling talented educators from around the world to share their knowledge and enrich local classrooms. The school credits this program as one key to staying fully staffed.

Moved by Gloria’s dedication and the challenges she faces, one staff member initiated a GoFundMe campaign to provide her with a reliable vehicle. This act of kindness reflects the compassionate and caring spirit of Community Montessori. The school invites families, friends, and the wider community to contribute to the campaign, providing her and her two children with safe transportation in their new home. To contribute, please go to https://www.gofundme. com/f/help-glory-buy-a-car.

Community Montessori is raising funds to help Gloria, an exchange teacher from Nigeria, purchase a vehicle.

Photo provided