Advertisement

Boy, 9, donates birthday money to teacher because she's not 'paid enough'

Parker Williams, a 9-year-old boy in Florida, felt that his teacher wasn’t getting proper recognition. So he gave her $US15 ($A22) from his birthday fund to show his respect for her profession.

In September, Parker, a third-grader at Gorrie Elementary School in Tampa, turned 9. He received gifts and some money from his grandparents, and last week, he donated the dollars to his teacher, Mary Hall Chambers.

Parker’s mom Jennifer Williams told Yahoo Lifestyle (US) that her son never vocalised his plan; instead, he secretly wrote a note to his teacher.

Parker Williams, a 3rd-grader in Florida, gave $15 of his birthday money to his beloved teacher. Source: Jennifer Williams
Nine-year-old Parker Williams gave $US15 of his birthday money to his beloved teacher. Source: Jennifer Williams

“I don’t think that teachers get paid enough for what they do so will you [accept] this gift?” Parker wrote, taping onto the letter a plastic bag stuffed with $US15 ($A22).

Ms Chambers, who has been teaching for 16 years, told Yahoo Lifestyle that when Parker handed her the note before class, she assumed the money was for an upcoming field trip to an agricultural centre.

“I looked at the note and said, ‘Oh my goodness,’” she said. “I had goosebumps.”

Parker Williams, a 3rd-grader in Florida, gave $15 of his birthday money to his beloved teacher. Source: Jennifer Williams
Parker loves his teacher so much, he gave her a pay raise. Source: Courtesy of Jennifer Williams

Since Parker was already back at his desk, Chambers quickly wrote a response: “I can’t accept this but appreciate the gesture, Parker. Students like you are the reason I teach.”

The teacher delivered the note to the boy, thanking him for his thoughtfulness, and the pair shared a hug.

“It touched my heart and made me happy,” Ms Chambers said.

Parker’s father later saw the notes in a school folder and posted a photo on Facebook.

Ms Williams told Yahoo Lifestyle that she doesn’t know where Parker got the idea that teachers are underpaid.

Mary Hall Chambers, a 3rd-grade teacher in Tampa, Florida, received a $15 gift from her student to show his appreciation. (Photo: Strawbridge Studios/Courtesy of Hillsborough County Public Schools)
Mary Hall Chambers received a $US15 gift from her student to show his appreciation. Source: Strawbridge Studios/Courtesy of Hillsborough County Public Schools

However, the boy is spot-on.

According to a report by the Chicago Sun, teachers are underpaid even when compared to non-teaching college graduates.

In 2018, a series of national teacher strikes in the US brought awareness for higher salaries and better working conditions in schools.

Parker and his family clearly appreciate Ms Chambers, with his mum calling her an “amazing” teacher, who is attentive to her children’s progress.

“She inspired Parker to do this,” Ms Williams said. “She’s a quiet hero.”

–– Yahoo Lifestyle

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter, download the Yahoo News app from the App Store or Google Play and stay up to date with the latest news with Yahoo’s daily newsletter. Sign up here.