East Jordan Shoe Club

The Shoe Club was started to help inspire and motivate my students to deal with life's issues in appropriate ways, set goals, dream big and give back to their communities. In order to become a member of the club, students must read two motivational books, write a short paper about what they learned from reading the books and come up with 10 goals they have set for themselves. After completing these steps, they can bring in a shoe for me to hang in my classroom. These shoes hang as reminders to all students about working hard, making good choices, not judging others, and walking in each others shoes. We meet regularly to discuss situations the kids encounter as well as participate in several volunteer projects throughout the year. I also have been contacting amazing people from around the world and collecting their shoes to display in my classroom. I have shoes on display in my room from many different professions including astronauts, business people, inventors, athletes and performers. Miley Cyrus, Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Jack Nicklaus, Shaun White, Tony Hawk, Jimmie Johnson, Maria Sharapova, Martin Cooper, and Charlie Duke are a few people who have sent us their shoes. These people and their shoes serve as inspiration and role models for club members and other students. My students love this club and are really responding to it.