We spoke one on one with the Founder, Executive Director of Adopt-A-Classroom, James Rosenberg to get to know more about the ins and out of what makes this non-profit organization so different than the rest!

JNYITC: What led you to establish Adopt-A-Classroom?

AAC: Ten years ago, I was a practicing lawyer and mentoring a child in a local school in Miami. I couldn't believe the lack of resources that were in the classroom and how much money the teacher was spending out of her own pocket to purchase supplies and materials. I felt there needed to be an easier way for members of the community to help. This experience led me to start Adopt-A-Classroom.

JNYITC: What is the main focus/goal of Adopt-A-Classroom?

AAC: Adopt-A-Classroom's mission is to provide teachers with community partners and funds to purchase resources for the classroom.

JNYITC: When was Adopt-A-Classroom established?

AAC: I started Adopt-A-Classroom officially in February 1998, primarily as a side project to my legal career. In June 1998, I left the law practice and began dedicating full time to the concept. It was November 1998 when I received my first donation for a classroom, a $500 contribution from Locus Architecture, based in Coral Gables, Florida.

JNYITC: Who ultimately benefits from your program/organization?

AAC: Everyone benefits from Adopt-A-Classroom. Ultimately, the students benefit by the additional classroom materials that enable the teachers to create a more engaging and exciting learning environment. The students benefit as well knowing that someone in the community cares about their success. Teachers benefit from the moral and financial support they receive from the donors. The additional funds enable them to implement more effective classroom curriculum and helps reduce the amount of money they have to spend out of their own pocket. Lastly, donors benefit from knowing their contributions make a real difference in so many lives and help children realize their fullest potential.

JNYITC: What is your vision for the future of Adopt-A-Classroom?

AAC: My vision is that every classroom in America have a community partner and the funds necessary so that all children have equal access to a quality education.

JNYITC: When did you join forces with Jones New York In The Classroom?

AAC: Jones New York In The Classroom and Adopt-A-Classroom joined forces in May 2005. The partnership was the single largest event in Adopt-A-Classroom's history and helped propel Adopt-A-Classroom to new heights.

JNYITC: How did the relationship evolve with Jones New York In The Classroom?

AAC: When Jones New York In The Classroom began searching for organizations that could further its mission, Adopt-A-Classroom was a natural fit. Through the relationship, Adopt-A-Classroom has been able to connect employees, executives, and directors with classroom teachers and students throughout the nation. The relationship evolved from not only making a direct impact in classrooms but into investing in Adopt-A-Classroom so that we could expand our programming. As a result of Jones New York In The Classroom's investment, Adopt-A-Classroom launched a new website in Fall 2006. Through the new website, Adopt-A-Classroom has expanded the number of classroom teachers and children it helps by over 1,000%.

JNYITC: What are some of the benefits of working in conjunction with Jones New York In The Classroom?

AAC: Jones New York In The Classroom is genuinely passionate about supporting America's teachers. Working with a company with such dedication and who is willing to invest so much of its resources toward this mission has had an immeasurable impact toward furthering the mission of Adopt-A-Classroom. The Jones New York In The Classroom team is extremely creative and energetic. They have designed incredible programs that have brought a national spotlight on the issues that teachers confront and have led the national debate on how the community can best be mobilized to support classrooms. With Adopt-A-Classroom positioned as part of the center of this debate that Jones New York In The Classroom is driving, we have experienced a great deal of contributions and participation.

JNYITC: Has the level of awareness of Adopt-A-Classroom changed since working with Jones New York In The Classroom? And if so, in what way?

AAC: When Jones New York In The Classroom first initiated its partnership with Adopt-A-Classroom, we had approximately 8,000 teachers registered and were raising approximately $650,000 annually for teachers. We completed last school year with close to 40,000 teachers registered representing all 50 states and U.S. territories and raised over $1.7 million for classrooms. The statistics speak for themselves as to the awareness of Adopt-A-Classroom as a result of the Jones New York In The Classroom partnership.

JNYITC: What is the criteria/process of getting a classroom adopted?

AAC: Any teacher is eligible to receive funds through the Adopt-A-Classroom program. Our approach is that all teachers need help. Through our program, a donor may select to support any teacher in the United States whether that teacher is registered with the organization or not. If a teacher is registered, the teacher has the opportunity to post specific classroom information such as grade, subject and classroom needs. Registering increases a teacher's chances of benefiting from the program.

To learn more about Adopt-A-Classroom please click here