Boca Raton Teacher Wins Free Classroom Makeover from Professional Organization for Educators

Professional Educators Network of Florida (PEN), a professional organization providing development opportunities and legal support to teachers throughout the state of Florida, has awarded a free classroom makeover to a Boca Raton teacher. Kelly Kayle-Gallon of Spanish River Community High School is the recipient of the makeover, worth $1,000.

“I was delighted when PEN told me I had won the classroom makeover. I teach students who struggle with reading comprehension, so I want to offer them the most engaging and fun learning environment possible,” said Kayle-Gallon. “I moved into a classroom that had undergone some construction this summer, and there was drywall and dust everywhere. PEN helped me clean up the room, creating a new look and comfortable reading areas. PEN has energized me, and the classroom makeover will inspire my students to learn.”

PEN asked members to explain in a few sentences why they deserved a makeover of their classroom at the end of June. In July, PEN board members selected a winner based on the teacher’s needs, experience and commitment to education. PEN notified Kayle-Gallon she won the makeover in mid-July and renovations were completed by the first week of August.

“Many people don’t realize it, but the average teacher spends $500 per year of his or her own money on classroom supplies,” said Cathy DeMoisey, executive director of PEN. “In addition to online classes, legal support and networking opportunities, PEN has given away thousands of dollars in makeovers and gift cards to our members. Our goal is to make Florida a better place for teachers to teach and students to learn.”

The makeover of Kayle-Gallon’s classroom gave her students flexible seating options, the 2017 Florida Teen Reads set, new library shelving, lighting, rugs and organization systems throughout the classroom. PEN sponsored the classroom makeover, with Home Depot donating paint and wood for storage and seating. Home Depot also cut the wood to project dimensions at no cost. The school’s principal donated a large wall stencil of the school’s mascot, the shark. Volunteers helped paint and assemble items for the classroom.

Last summer, PEN updated the books in a classroom library in Hernando County. PEN plans to offer the classroom makeover contest in other Florida counties in the future.

“At PEN, we want to support our teachers in as many ways as possible,” said DeMoisey. “We value each of our members and are proud to support educators across the state of Florida. Our goal is to give back to the teachers who give so much to their students. Our children are the future of the Sunshine State.”

PEN has been supporting Florida teachers for more than 20 years. PEN offers professional development, legal support and protection and networking opportunities via online groups and in-person meetings. PEN membership costs $18 per month for teachers and $13 per month for support personnel, teacher aides and some other school staff members. Student and retired teachers can join PEN for $20 per year. To become a PEN member, visit penfl.org.

About Professional Educators Network of Florida
Professional Educators Network of Florida (PEN) is a professional organization providing professional development opportunities and legal support to teachers in the state of Florida since 1995. PEN offers teachers a wide variety of benefits but does not have as many members as the union in the state of Florida. PEN’s dues are lower than union dues and PEN does not endorse political candidates. For more information about PEN, visit www.penfl.org.