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Last year, we set out with the goal of empowering our teachers to dream up their perfect classroom. We asked them to imagine a safe, welcoming place of their dreams. This year, we brought back the Inspiring Spaces: Classroom Makeover Program to give three more inspiring educators the classrooms of their dreams.

Thanks to generous donations from , the and , we will be able to fully renovate three classrooms – floor to ceiling- over the summer.

We had more than 70 nominations from students, parents, alumni, and ·¬ÇÑÊÓƵers who shared what makes our teachers inspiring to them. The outpouring of stories was incredible. Our three winners were selected based on the heartfelt words you all wrote.

Amanda Bolt, a first grade teacher at Northside Elementary, is our elementary school Inspiring Spaces winner.

Ms. Bolt was described as a world-changer and was nominated by a former student who described her as the best teacher ever.

“I am also a teacher…and one of my students made me a keychain that said “Best Teacher,” the former student’s parent said. “My child had Ms. Bolt in a prior grade and told me, ‘Your keychain is not true because Ms. Bolt is the best teacher even years after being in her class.”

Paul Johnson, a Social Studies teacher at Dutchman Creek Middle School is our middle school Inspiring Spaces winner.

He was nominated for ·¬ÇÑÊÓƵing his students not only in the classroom but also at their extracurricular activities like performances and games. He was recognized as being an impactful teacher.

“Mr. Johnson doesn’t only stand out to me as an exceptional teacher this school year, but the best I have ever seen.” a parent said. “I’ve never met a teacher my child looks up to more than this teacher.”

Allison Jordan, a Math teacher at Northwestern High School, is our high school Inspiring Spaces winner.

A student nominated Ms. Jordan saying Ms. Jordan tries her hardest to make sure all students succeed in a core class that students don’t always put down as their favorite subject.

“Ms. Jordan’s room is lacking in comparison with the way she teaches. She altogether embodies what a good teacher is,” the student said. “Her room should reflect how amazing of a person and a teacher she is.”

We will work over the summer to redesign the three classes. The new spaces will be revealed the week before school starts. Stay tuned!

Thank you to our judging panel:

Dr. Tommy Schmolze, Dr. John Jones, Dr. Kershena Dickey, Deborah Greenwood, Angelia Green, Dr. Katie Barber, Ayanna Brice, Dr. Nancy Turner, Dr. Juan Roldan, Leigh Grimsley, Dr. V. Keith Wilks, Frank Palermo, Alicisa Johnson, Traci Ayer, and Dan Beasley.

Do you want to join in the effort to ·¬ÇÑÊÓƵ students and staff in our district through donations of time or funds? Email communications@rhmail.org

Watch the video below to see their reactions to the news: