Schaefer Architecture Partners with Project Teacher to Support Local Schools

Schaefer Architecture has a long-standing commitment to supporting the community and strengthening Kansas schools. Our work in various school districts, including on-call and bond issue services, remains one of our most important initiatives. In 2024, Schaefer began discussions with Terry Johnson, director of Project Teacher, to develop a partnership. Now, in 2025, we are proud to see this vision come to life.

When asked what inspired him to launch Project Teacher, Johnson shared:

“After watching news stories of teachers literally saving the lives of their students, a small group of us came together and asked, ‘How can we support teachers in a tangible way?’ We started researching and found a handful of organizations across the country that had created teacher resource centers, allowing educators to access classroom supplies for free. That led us to start a small initiative supporting a couple of schools, and within three years, we were reaching schools all across Wichita. Since our inception, we’ve been able to distribute over $15 million in school supplies to area classrooms.”

Justin Graham, president of Schaefer, describes this partnership as a “natural fit” for the firm. “While designing the spaces where our educators teach is incredibly rewarding, contributing through Project Teacher allows us to positively impact teachers and students by providing essential classroom materials.” Through this collaboration, Schaefer has the opportunity to support and uplift students and teachers in the Newton and Halstead school districts.

Donations will primarily consist of Yoobi brand school supplies—a boutique brand sold at Target and a national sponsor of Project Teacher. Schaefer Architecture is currently engaged in projects with Halstead schools and has a strong history of collaboration with Newton schools. As a result, the following schools have been selected to receive donations through this initiative:

• South Breeze Elementary
• Bentley Primary School
• Halstead Middle School
• Chisholm Middle School
• Santa Fe 5/6 Center

Unfortunately, many teachers spend between $500 and $750 of their own money each year on essential classroom supplies. By supporting these schools and their students, we aim to alleviate this financial burden, allowing educators to focus on what truly matters—teaching.

According to Johnson, nearly two-thirds of the classrooms that Project Teacher serves are in low-income communities, with many families struggling to make ends meet. “When families have to prioritize food and basic necessities, school supplies often become an afterthought,” Johnson explains. “That’s where we step in.” Project Teacher ensures that students have the tools they need to succeed, removing barriers to learning. “A simple pack of markers might allow a student to complete an art project that fosters creativity and confidence. A donated notebook could be the space where a child discovers their love of writing. These supplies do more than fill desks—they fuel learning, promote equity, and empower both students and teachers to focus on education rather than scarcity.”

Project Teacher currently supports over 60,000 students in poverty, making a meaningful impact on classrooms across Kansas. Johnson frequently receives feedback from educators about how these donations change lives. One teacher shared, “I am a single mom of four kids under the age of five. There have been times when I’ve had to choose between spending my own money on my students or providing for my family. Because of Project Teacher, I can help my students without sacrificing my ability to care for my own children. Thank you!”

Now more than ever, schools need our help. Graham notes: “Kansas schools, like others around the nation, are facing aging facilities, budget shortages, and are being forced to do more with less.” Since 1957, Schaefer has been deeply involved in Kansas communities, and finding new ways to give back and improve our communities remains at the root of the firm’s passion.

Looking ahead, Johnson hopes to expand Project Teacher’s reach by hiring staff and increasing support for schools throughout Kansas. “Rural Kansas schools, in particular, lack critical resources, and I’d love to see us expand into more districts in Western Kansas,” he says. Fortunately, there are many ways for individuals and organizations to get involved with minimal effort but high impact. Whether it’s donating school supplies, volunteering at Project Teacher’s resource center to sort and distribute materials, or making financial contributions, every bit of support makes a difference. “Thanks to our national partnerships, a $10 donation can supply a classroom with $100 worth of supplies,” Johnson notes. In addition to Schaefer Architecture, other corporate sponsors are stepping up to make a meaningful difference—ensuring that teachers and students across Kansas have the resources they need to thrive.

For more information about Project Teacher, please visit their website: https://www.projectteacher.org/