Seizing a teachable moment, Wright turned a writing requirement into an engaging assignment by having her students write persuasive letters to Jason McKie, a fullback for the Chicago Bears and a personal friend of Wright’s. The students were asked to explain to McKie why he should visit their school.

“A lot of students aren’t interested in writing, especially in the fifth grade,” she says. “I knew I had to develop an assignment that was meaningful, yet engaged the students.” Incorporating a professional athlete proved to be the boost the students needed.

Because they were motivated by the idea of meeting a professional athlete, the students worked especially hard on improving their writing skills. “No one received lower than a B on the writing assignment,” Wright says. “I was able to see them develop their own voice in writing through their persuasive letters. They saw how writing a letter can have rewards.”

In late April, Wright delivered the devastating news that McKie wasn’t able to visit, but that they would receive Chicago Bears memorabilia instead. Although the students were disappointed, she asked them to write thank-you letters to McKie for the gear.

You can imagine the shock and amazement of Wright’s students when McKie showed up as they were writing their thank-you letters. The fifth-graders froze in their seats, smiling from ear to ear. “Ms. Wright told us he wasn’t going to be able to come. When he walked in everyone was surprised,” says student Jason Frankenfield.

The students learned to have faith in themselves and appreciate the power of the pen.

Though persuading a football player to visit seemed unlikely, Wright’s class of naysayers—who thought their goal was impossible— became believers. Never in their wildest dreams did they imagine they had the power to craft letters that would inspire a professional athlete to fly to Philadelphia and meet them in person.

But McKie did. He told Wright’s class about his life as a student-athlete, and emphasized the importance of a good work ethic, dedication to school and setting goals.

“He told us how to get good grades, and to go to college to get a better education,” says student Tien Nguyen.

McKie also answered questions about his college and professional football careers.

 “I discussed the importance of education,” says McKie, who attended Temple University along with Wright. “I can’t play football forever. It’s one chapter of my life. I prepare every day for life after football, and I have an education to fall back on.”

McKie singled out three of the students’ letters that were especially heartfelt. He presented those students with personalized pictures, and Chicago Bears T-shirts and hats.

“I was excited and proud when he picked my letter,” says student Tyisha Copes.

The assignment’s success illustrated for Wright and McKie the powerful impact that they can have on the lives of others.

“I hope [the students] benefited from my visit by understanding the importance of education,” McKie says. “They should always strive to excel in academics. For those involved in sports, they should work as hard in the classroom as they do on the field.”

After McKie’s inspirational visit, going to college became a more desirable, achievable goal for the students, Wright says.

“A lot of students’ eyes were opened. Those who were not interested in college now want to attend, and many students want to be the first in their family to attend college.”

Union's backing helps put school board candidates in office
Parents on board and committed to St. Louis public schools—and kids

Peter Downs and Donna Jones can thank the St. Louis Teachers & School Related Personnel Union for their election to the city’s school board earlier this year. It was the unwavering support of the AFT affiliate that helped these parents overcome the odds and beat their heavily favored—and funded—opponents.

Downs and Jones, who are committed to rebuilding and improving the St. Louis public schools, were endorsed by the St. Louis local as well as other unions and community organizations.

The candidates’ community activism and commitment to their children’s education, and the fact that they were an integrated slate (Jones is black and Downs is white) not only made them well-known in their communities but also helped unite working-class voters citywide. “The numbers showed they were voted in as a team,” says Ray Cummings, the local’s vice president for political education.

The AFT affiliate backed the duo because of their consistent support for public schools, says Nick Clement, who with Carolyn Recke co-chairs the local’s COPE committee. “We felt they could be trusted to make wise decisions and that they were a voice for parents,” Clement adds. He and Recke were responsible for recruiting and coordinating a determined team of union volunteers to campaign on behalf of the parent-candidates. The result? Downs and Jones won a landslide victory.

Cummings gives credit where it’s due: “Nick and Carolyn are tremendously dedicated and focused people who were passionate about electing Downs and Jones.”

The St. Louis local organized activities designed to get out the vote, including distributing campaign literature, phone banking and canvassing door to door. Union retirees also were recruited to help out. On election day, hundreds of parents, teachers and other school employees worked the polls.

Parental involvement played an integral role in the pair’s victory. Jones “is a PTO president with four kids in the district’s schools,” says Clement. “As a parent liaison, she was able to see firsthand what worked in schools.”

And Downs founded St. Louis School Watch, an online publication dedicated to informing the public about school-related issues that often fly under the radar. The union-endorsed candidates’ platform “included smaller class sizes, accreditation and opposition to privatization,” notes Recke.

The win marked an important turning point for both the community and the union. Candidates backed by the union now hold four of seven school board seats.