“I’m going to do whatever it takes to be creative for our children, even if that means it comes out of my pocket.”
-DeAnn Moran, 2nd Grade Teacher, Moore Public Schools
Teachers spend a lot of their own money for their classrooms
With the popularity of Google Classroom and connected tools like Quick Key, teachers have more options for classroom tools than ever before. At the same time, budgets are being squeezed and teachers are spending more of their own money than ever before. For a long time we have accepted that spending our own money is ‘something that committed teachers do.‘
According to the National School Supply and Equipment Association, teachers spent a total of 1.6 billion dollars out of their own pockets for classroom tools. An individual teacher spends $600.00 to $1000.00+ a year out of pocket. That’s a lot of money!
Let the Crowd Help!
I can’t count the number of times I’ve had parents of students or my own friends ask me how they can support my classroom. The technology now exists to make it easy for teachers to have the friendly crowd fund the tools they need for their classroom. Below find 3 crowdfunding tips for your school and classroom tools.
Tip #1: Be Specific
Use crowdfunding for specific projects or needs, rather than general fundraising. Donors like knowing exactly how their money will be used, so select concrete and interesting outcomes that will engage potential contributors.
Tip #2: Get Help with Messaging
Messaging matters! If you’re not a marketing whiz, get a friend to help you find great images, video, and – especially – well-written verbiage. An appealing pitch is one with which donors will connect emotionally. Appeal to the positive, and try to build a sense of community. As parents, teachers, students and even local businesses, we are all in this together!
Tip #3: Get Your Students Involved
This is a chance for project-based learning in the real world. So give students leadership opportunities and get them to participate! Crowdfunding teaches about entrepreneurship, money, communications, teamwork, goal-setting, and offers multiple opportunities for creativity to shine through.
