This has been a tremendous resource for my classroom! I am a high school science teacher that came to teaching after many years in business. Since, I am always talking about deals and tips for teachers, I figured it was time to write it out in an accessible place for everyone. Let's start with my favorite DonorsChoose.
What is it?
DonorsChoose (DC) is a charitable organization that allows K-12 public school teachers to post projects with specific supply lists. A short proposal is written for project. If donors fund the project, the teacher will receive the supplies at school. Teachers
create an account, agree to stay in touch, write donors thank you notes, post student pictures and have students write thank you notes to donors. Think of it as a registry list that you market out to potential donors.
Why?
For me, I was spending too much money on additional supplies. As a new teacher, I had missed the ordering cycle and wanted to do many activities. I would find all these great activities but for 150 students they costs start to add up quickly. Thanks to donors, my students have been able to make Egg Drop Craft, Paper Rockets, how to videos, many posters and much, much more.
People do want to help teachers, but don't always know how. They also want some information and to know that students are really benefiting from their contribution. So DC puts teachers and donors together in a format that ensures, public school teachers get the supplies to actively engage students.
In the past year, I have had 13 projects funded worth more than $7000,
everything from art supplies to a document camera. At my
school all teachers combined have gotten over $38,000 in new supplies. Here's a highlight list of items, I've gotten for my class.
6 digital cameras for documenting work and video clips.
1 document camera
Speakers for computer, so whole class can hear video presentations.
35 scientific calculators - 30 in carrying totes.
color printer and lots of ink
art supplies - tag board for posters, markers, glue, glitter,
20 big scissors - since I teach high school and the kiddy scissors are ridiculous
laminator
class set of biographies for scientists and inventors
150 1 inch binder & paper to put this years class on better study path
laminator & pouches and much much more
