Since 2019, Addition Financial has hosted the Renovate to Educate competition, with a made-over classroom for the winning teachers in Osceola and Orange County.
This year, one of the winners of the competition is Jeanette Colon-Caraballo, an ESOL and intensive reading teacher at Poinciana High School. Not only does her beautiful personality and presence bring joy to the school, but the one thing that made her stand out in the competition was her desire to have all students from all backgrounds to feel welcome.
Representatives from Addition Financial received applications from teachers across Osceola and Orange County. It included an essay on why that teacher’s classroom deserved to win. Colon-Caraballo said in hers, “When my students pass, we celebrate their success, and I created a classroom culture of celebrating academic achievements. We scream, we shout, we cry. And when the kids pass, they can graduate with a high school diploma after so much hard work. Besides learning the language, this class is a comfortable and safe space for them as they navigate the school and their new country. The students always thank me for my support in helping them reach their goals and their dreams.”
She themed her concept, “Cultural Extravaganza,” and it was selected.
The three-day makeover consisted of painting the room based on Colon-Caraballo’s vision of the classroom.On the second day, a building day, new furniture and supplies were delivered that every classroom needs. The final day was staging — putting together the final touches to make the room in perfect shape for students to finally arrive on Thursday.
The room now consisted of foreign flags from many countries to make her students feel welcomed. Her students will find all the supplies needed — pens, pencils, folders, and the like — to get through the day. There is now even a corner where students can read and recollect the information they learn.
With this makeover, Colon-Caraballo said, “When my students come to school, sometimes they feel lost. They come from other countries not knowing or show little comprehension of English. I wanted them to get into an environment that they feel that they are home. I am very grateful for this opportunity.”
