Our Stories

Today is Giving Tuesday and a busy email day, so I’ll make this short and sweet. Stand’s work in schools across the state, especially our work spreading kindness to students and educators through Teach Kindness, is only possible with the support of folks like you. Your generosity allows us to reach more classrooms and impact […]

Each Thanksgiving season I try to take a moment to pause and really reflect on what I’m grateful for. This year, what stands out in my mind are the many educators, students, families, and schools I’ve had the privilege to work with who have made it a priority to embrace kindness. Even with so much […]

You can just feel it when a school has made kindness one of their core values. Students seem at ease and the school’s environment is warm and welcoming. I feel it at Palmer Elementary in Chicago where special education teacher Tracy Caronia’s positive post-it notes left for students light up their faces with pride. She […]

As a special education teacher, I try to make all my students feel appreciated and important. That’s why I’ve made it a habit to place positive post-it notes around the classroom, written specifically for each child. I’ll leave one on a student’s folder or the spot they typically sit. I’ll mention how I noticed they […]

Illinoisans made their voices heard. Up and down the state, Election Day showed intensity and dedication in so many races on the ballot. The same is true for races where Stand for Children IL PAC made endorsements. We supported a diverse group of education equity and racial justice champions who would stand up for Illinois […]

All the campaign ads, canvassers, mailers, and texts have led us to one of my favorite places on earth: the voting booth. Election Day is when our voices are heard louder than ever. It’s when we speak up for candidates who support education equity and racial justice. For folks who support Illinois children and families. […]