Teacher “Tangibly Thanked” With Free Roof

By Cass Jacoby, RCS Reporter. 

Community in Memphis shows their appreciation by giving back to beloved fifth grade teacher in the form of a new roof. 

Shelia Ford has taught fifth-grade math and science at Scenic Hills Elementary for 24 years. She has lived in the community for even longer. "My students will say. 'Aw, that's Ms. Ford's house.' They already come by to check on me," says Ford. She lives a walking distance from the school, leading a community leader to note her roof needed repair.   

Outside of some patchwork, Ford had never had work done on her roof for as long as she lived in Scenic Hills. "I was in need of a new roof," said Ford. "I have several leaks, and the roof is just so old since I've been in the house for over 20 years and never changed it."  

"I had a previous customer that told me about Ms. Ford," said Brent Simmons, Restoration Roofing Owner, and Roofing Insight Co-Host. Restoration Roofing joined with Roofing Insights in an initiative called Roofs for Teachers. Every month, Roofing Insights chooses one teacher from across the nation to receive a free roof to honor the owner’s sisters in Russia who are teachers. After inspecting her roof, the company decided she was a match for the program.  

Restoration Roofing began work on Ford's roof last September, removing three layers of old shingles from her roof. Atlas Roofing Corp. donated materials, and Ford got to choose the color and style of shingles for her new roof.  

Simmons estimated the cost of Ford's roof replacement would be around $13,000. "Think about teachers who are underpaid having to fork up that much cash," he said. "Roofs are expensive, and there is a real need out there from people who are under circumstances beyond their control...That's the whole point of what we're doing and why it's focused on teachers - because they play such a huge part, a huge role in the community and the development of children," said Simmons.  

"They're thinking about teachers. That was so refreshing," said Ford, "People say, 'Thank you, teachers, for all you do,' but these people know we do a lot, and they are thanking me in a tangible way, and I appreciate that so much."  

Do you know of someone in the industry who is ‘doing good deeds’ in their community? Help us catch them at it. Send news and information to info@rooferscoffeeshop.com.