One teacher’s hard work inspires books donation

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KIHEI - Michael James' 8th-graders are turning in homework filled with more detailed responses than she's ever seen in her 18 years as a teacher.

"Whereas before I'd be lucky to have a line filled in," James said.

The Lokelani Intermediate School teacher explains that the difference arises from a $5,000 donation in books and supplies to her classroom during the first month of this school year.

"I can't believe my good fortune," she said.

A friend she happened to meet regularly at a local coffee store gifted James with the books for this school year, not concerned about whether he'll get a tax credit for his donation.

"It's for the kids," said donor Bobby Baker, owner and operator of Maui Sun Divers in Kihei. "I love Maui. I think reading is essential to any child's success."

Baker, 58, of Kihei, said James' enthusiasm for teaching and her care and concern for students also impressed him. "She's the one who inspired me to do this. She's unassuming, and she works really hard at what she does."

At James' direction, Baker completed an online order that provided two textbooks for each of her 120 or so students this semester.

Another set of two books for each student will be distributed during the second semester in 2009.

James said she has never been able to allow her students to take the class set of textbooks outside of the classroom because there weren't enough to go around.

"This is the first time in my whole career that I've been able to send kids home with books," she said. "It's just amazing. I also think it's so ironic that I've been charged with improving reading and comprehension scores, but I don't have enough books for my kids."

Baker said he hopes his donation will inspire others to give to teachers and their classrooms.

He calls his own project "Adopt a Class." He suggests that other would-be donors go directly to a public school teacher and ask about his or her classroom needs.

"That would be an awesome, awesome effort to get behind," James said.

Baker said a classroom contribution need not be as dramatic as his.

"If everyone pitches in, it'll make a difference," he said.

* Claudine San Nicolas can be reached at claudine@mauinews.com.