A teacher's investment

Any investment one makes involves some level of risk and questions about return on that investment. Investing in our schools and educators is a heated debate in districts throughout the city. From Mason to Fairfield to everywhere else, anti-tax levy groups have reared their heads questioning everything from new buildings to teachers' salaries to what is taught.

Though there are certain to be a multitude of examples that never get noticed outside the classroom, from time to time there comes to light a teacher who is investing into the job and students in a most inspiring way. Natalie Palmenter, a fifth grade teacher at Cardinal Pacelli with help from fellow educator Taffy Clifton, has used a mega celebrity and pop culture queen to her teaching advantage as she was inspired by Oprah Winfrey giving away $1,000 to each of her guests at an October show for the purpose of having them 'share' it in charity.

Ms. Palmenter's students not only shared the $10 provided to each of them in creative and diverse ways but also learned and exercised the skill of investing their own time and money to make their gifts and subsequent impact even bigger. The kids efforts touched parents, places of worship, local businesses as well as benefited individuals, institutions and animals. Ms. Palmenter's investment has thus allowed these kids to invest into all these places and people in our community but most importantly has taught them something about investing into themselves to be the kind of citizens we so badly need in our society; today and in the future.

Way to 'Pay It Forward' Ms. Palmenter!