The Four Rs:

Every year, hundreds and thousands of teachers reach into their pockets to pay for classroom supplies that they believe to be so critical for their work with our kids that they typically spend $200, $300, or $500. It's not unusual that some teachers even spend $1,000 or more in a school year. They spend this money while knowing that they will not be reimbursed for their classroom expenses.

ACT!, the Alliance of Community and Teachers, is an alliance with our teachers that allows the community to spotlight these acts of generosity for our children with both recognition and reimbursement.

ACT! also seeks to bring about fundamental change in the system through research and reform so that someday this pervasive and unconscionable condition in our public schools is forever changed and transformed.

Launched in 2008-2009, ACT! is focusing initially in the Silicon Valley region, with an emphasis on the East Side Union High School District and its poorest feeder-school districts, a community with half a million residents.

J. Manuel Herrera
ACT! Founder and CEO
Silicon Valley Elected Official