From the moment Ciarra Fagerlie stepped into her first classroom two years ago, she began to shape the room into a space where creativity becomes confidence and every student is seen not only for who they are but for the remarkable potential in each of them.

Just a few years into her teaching journey, she’s already carrying forward a legacy of impact — a passion of teaching sparked by her fifth-grade teacher, who one day sat beside her and said, “I think you have more potential than what I see right now… I’m going to push you this year to do things that you don’t think you can do.” That belief and support changed her — and now she is that voice for her students; holding them to high expectations not to put unnecessary pressure on them, but to help them discover their own potential and to show them that making art means they are growing as humans, not just artists. 

In Ciarra’s classroom, students explore more than technique. She knows that representation matters, giving them the opportunity to explore identity, history and how artists like themselves have forged their way to create their own space of belonging.

She seeks to introduce students to artists they can see themselves in, teaching works from artists like Alma Thomas and Jean-Michel Basquiat — connecting lessons to various cultures, depictions, and heritage. Whether they’re studying quilts and how they are tied to the Underground Railroad or preparing for their schoolwide art showcase, Ciarra believes in opening students’ minds to as many forms of art and self expression as possible; through every lesson, brushstroke and story. 

Resources, however, don’t always match an educator’s aspirations in what they hope to achieve in their classrooms and instill in their students. So when Ciarra first visited Kids In Need Foundation Teacher Resource Center, she didn’t just grab art supplies — she filled her shopping cart with everything she could, thinking not only of her own students but students throughout the entire school. “I might not need this, but maybe I do,” she laughed, remembering grabbing materials she knew could make a difference, even with items as unexpected as a lint roller or Command Strips. Because she knows that sometimes the small things are what makes students and staff feel supported. 

Every supply she brings back, every artist they discover, each prideful moment hanging their artwork on the drying rack reinforces Ciarra’s message to her students — your ideas matter. Your stories deserve to be seen and told. Your creativity deserves to be nurtured and encouraged. In her classroom, artistry isn’t the goal — but rather the stepping stone to boldly step towards growing in their potential, one creation at a time. 

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Every day, teachers show up for their students with passion, creativity, and dedication—but too many of them are doing it without the supplies they need to create the learning environments their students deserve. No teacher should have to choose between giving their students the best education possible and paying out of pocket for basic classroom materials.