Rice University’s Teacher Club is creating a vibrant space for Rice students to connect with Houston schools and community organizations. Committed to building a love of education, the club believes that fostering a strong educational foundation in young learners is essential to their success. The club provides volunteer opportunities and supports community initiatives and, as a result, helps bridge the gap between Rice students and the surrounding communities.
their passion for education.
The Teacher Club hosts monthly meetings and organizes three major events: National Read Across America Day, a resume writing workshop for high schoolers, and a fundraiser to support a community organization or local school. These events allow Rice students to make a tangible difference in the lives of young learners while fostering a love of education that will benefit them for years to come.
This year, the Teacher Club worked closely with the Michelle Project, an organization dedicated to creating inclusive educational programs inspired by holidays and observances. Through this collaboration, Rice students have had the opportunity to contribute to a meaningful cause while learning about the importance of inclusivity in educational settings. In addition, the club has been fortunate to have Rice student leaders, such as junior Sophia Nguyen and senior America Salas, guide the efforts and make these events a reality.
Many members join the Teacher Club because of their passion for education and a desire to give back to the community. “I’ve always really enjoyed reading and tutoring — it’s something I did a ton of throughout my time in middle through high school,” Nguyen said. “Sharing my love of learning with other students is very meaningful to me, so starting the Teacher Club back up felt like a natural step.”
The impact of the Teacher Club’s volunteer work is far-reaching. One volunteer recounted their favorite moment of the year: “My favorite moment so far has been handing off a donation of books to Tijerina Elementary School,” said Nguyen. “I felt so happy to see the staff excited about the donation. It really felt like the donation would have a positive impact, especially after the secretary told me about how much some of the students love reading and will often times bring books to recess or lunch.”
Volunteer work benefits the schools and organizations and provides valuable experiences for Rice students. “I think that the Teacher Club’s volunteer work gives students an important opportunity to engage with their curriculum outside of a classroom setting,” said Nguyen. “This helps foster a genuine enjoyment for ‘school’ activities like reading. Additionally, our college student volunteers can help serve as role models for the students we work with.”
The Teacher Club plans to expand its outreach and increase the impact of its efforts. As the club grows and evolves, it remains dedicated to creating opportunities for Rice students to engage with the community while fostering a love for learning in the next generation. Through events such as these, the Teacher Club is showing that education is more than just a classroom experience — it’s about creating lasting connections and building a brighter future for all involved.
Ugochi Emenaha
Associate Director
Center for Education