The FIRE Foundation is a non-profit organization that makes it possible for partner Catholic schools to hire special educators and paraprofessionals and to acquire learning materials and technology that create successful learning experiences for all children.
Michelle Tetschner is the current president and founder of the Northeast Florida chapter of the FIRE Foundation, and she believes that concentrating on the positive abilities of students is the best way for them to learn and grow.
The FIRE Foundation strives to promote a culture of belonging by including students with disabilities. Tetschner has a son with down syndrome, and she said it is important for these students to know that they matter.
FIRE Foundation NE Florida has made it their mission to make sure all students feel supported and understood.
“We feel like that’s what we are all called to do is accept each other and look for talents and gifts rather than what students can’t do,” said Tetschner.
FIRE Foundation NE Florida helps to provide resources and professional development for Catholic schools that are willing to accept students with special needs.
“We meet with principals, teachers, parents really whoever is looking for help,” said Tetschner. FIRE Foundation NE Florida just hosted a successful Easter event at Happy Brew Coffee earlier this month and will be hosting a fundraiser on May 3. This fundraiser will not only support FIRE Foundation, but it will also support Netsanet Children’s Village. Netsanet Children’s Village provides shelter, nourishment, clothing, medical care, and education to special needs, abandoned, and orphaned children, along with support for severely impoverished children and families in southern Ethiopia.
To learn more about FIRE Foundation NE Florida visit their website at firefoundationneflorida.org.
