Hundreds of teachers from around the country dropped into Thomas Johnson Middle School to give the building a much needed facelift.

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"You know, you think middle schoolers don't notice, but they notice more than you think. So, it's just something I had to do," said Lori Burris of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Burris is one of 400 teachers who dropped into Prince George's County for "Outreach to Teach", an annual program that brings students and teachers together to help rebuild a school in need.

Carney, Nebraska aspiring teacher Jill Kimbrough added, "I''m going to be a middle school teacher myself soon, and it's just part of becoming a teacher, becoming a leader."

Teachers and former students said changing the face of a school, even when it's just a fresh coat of paint changes the culture.

Angel Pittman, a former student of Prince George’s County Public Schools, knows that first hand.

"It was a good environment, but our school always needed worked. Your environment completely dictates your feelings, your attitude, how you feel about school and how you feel in the classroom," Pittman explained.

A few paint strokes later, she's changing the future.

Pittman added, "I can't believe that I've come this far and now I'm helping out. It's an amazing feeling."

And that feeling is shared by hundreds of educators reaching out to lend a helping hand.