To the Editor:

Your readers may not know this, but all teachers — past, present and future — will take money out of their pockets for specialized supplies that are not available from the schools’ supply rooms.

For the last five years, the Izaak Walton League of America, Suffolk-Nansemond Chapter, has partnered with Paul D. Camp Community College, Franklin Campus, in order to offset the expenses of these teachers from Suffolk who take the environmental course that International Paper sponsors each year.

Teachers in the area are welcome to enjoy field trips to various municipal utilities, the Great Dismal Swamp National Refuge, the Zuni Pine Barrens, a salt marsh area and other locations. With the trips and classwork, the teachers learn how to take a hands-on approach to teaching their students about nature conservation.

We were proud recently to present PDCCC a check for $500. This check will be divided between the five participating Suffolk teachers, yielding a stipend of $100 each to help offset any out-of-pocket expenses they might incur during the coming year.

The IWLA’s Virginia Division offers a chance for all Virginia teachers to become IWLA members by joining the Commonwealth Chapter. This entitles them to get supplies, information and the bi-monthly magazine “Outdoor America” as part of their membership.

If more organizations would consider supplementing the elementary and middle school teachers with donations, they would help improve the learning opportunities for our students, no matter what subject is involved.

H.J. Miller

President

Suffolk-Nansemond Chapter

Izaak Walton League of America