This is an idea that’s been bouncing around in my head for a while. Teachers as a whole stick together and our ability to network and support each other has expanded exponentially now that we have Blogland to connect us together. The outpouring of support after difficult days in the classroom, the pooling of resources after natural disasters, the laughing together at silly things our students come up with, the sharing of ideas as we tackle unique educational challenges… our power in numbers is amazing.
I tend to be a little idealistic and definitely see the world through rose colored glasses a lot of the time, but this most recent goal of mine really feels attainable. It all has to do with Donors Choose. I’ve donated to projects that stood out as they popped up on my radar through the years, especially since I started blogging and networking with more teachers. The idea that I can give a few dollars to another teacher in need and truly make a difference for that classroom is just genius.
Then I started thinking. What would happen if each of us who could gave just $1.00 to a project? One.single.dollar. Most of us work on tight budgets, pinching pennies all the way as we score back to school deals in the thrill of the hunt. We know how much cash flows out of our pockets during back to school right on through the entire year. But what if we gave just $1 more to another teacher? As all of those dollars add up, we’re making a huge difference! If every follower on this blog donated $1, we’d spread $1,700 to teachers all over the country! If every Facebook follower donated, we’d raise over $3,000! I pinch myself just thinking about it.
So here’s my challenge to you. Can you give $1 to Donors Choose today? Projects that are in their first week are eligible for a matching coupon code that doubles your donation. Your $1 magically turns into $2 for the teacher if you type INSPIRE in as a coupon code when you check out at no extra cost to you. My little idea here has so much potential as we spread the word, so please consider pinning this image too. At just $1 per individual, we can do amazing things together. I just know it!
My first project just launched yesterday. I was super nervous about it, but the process was actually very easy. It’s called iLearn When iListen because I’m hoping to replace our cassette listening center with 2 iPods. We have access to so many resources, but don’t have the technology to use them. Just think of all the doors a new center would open for my struggling readers. Remember, type in INSPIRE when you checkout to double the impact without doubling your cost! **UPDATE MY PROJECT WAS FUNDED IN JUST ONE WEEK- THANK YOU!**
After seeing the response to this little goal of mine, I started my own Donors Choose page where I can highlight up to 10 projects at one time. A $10 donation to any of the current projects puts yours on the list to be featured in the future. I still have open spots right now, so you’re just $10 away from more exposure for your own project by helping another one get funded. How amazing is that?
If you’re looking for other projects to support, Laura Candler’s Caring Classrooms is a great place to start. She gathers several Donors Choose projects and highlights them in one place. She also started a Facebook page for the community as well. There’s currently a contest taking place to help get your project funded too. It’s all about helping each other! You can also leave a comment here on this post with a link to YOUR Donors Choose project and tell us a little about it.
Whether you choose to donate through my page or one of the countless others, I’m excited to see what we can do together!
Awesome idea Christi! I pinned it and am off to donate. The power of our numbers as bloggers and blog readers is amazing, isn't it?
Jennifer
Mrs. Laffin's Laughings
I love it when we can all work together! =)
I love, love, love this idea! I am off to donate right now!
Pitner's Potpourri
Thank you! You're going to make another teacher's day!
Great idea, Christi! I have a project up that is partially funded. I am starting Reading Workshop in my Kindergarten class this year after an awesome PD over the summer. I spent much of my summer going through all of my books and attempting to level them. As I did so, I realized I had very few books at the beginning levels. My project is called "Growing Kinder Readers." Here is the link to my page: http://www.donorschoose.org/asimmons
I'm off to donate!
-Andrea
alwayskindergarten@gmail.com
What a great project!
This is a great idea! I'm off to donate the last two bucks I have in my paypal account! I have an active project as well…Here is the link to my page…http://www.donorschoose.org/project/instant-feedback-and-interaction-in-our/1042161/
Thank you for sharing your project with us!
I think this is very true. The community can fund the projects if everyone gives a little. My project is also about upgrading our listening center, but I chose MP3 players so I could get comfy seating to go along with the listening center.
Amanda
teachingbiliteracywithmrsestevez.blogspot.com
Best of luck on your project!
Christi,
I believe in the power of giving back. I enjoyed reading this Blog post,
and am heading to Donor's Choose right now. Bless your heart! I've long felt that together we can all make a difference.
Best wishes on your own Donor's Choose project.
Danielle
Crayonbox Learning
<3 I love what happens when we come together.
http://www.donorschoose.org/project/give-my-kindergarteners-a-place-to-sit/1048533/
This is a great idea. Here's a link to my project. I'm trying to get a set of alphabet carpet squares for my kindergarteners to use since I don't have a carpet in my classroom.
I want my students to have access to a document camera to share their writing and have some basic school supplies to get the school year going! The INSPIRE code works with my project as well!!! Good luck with your first project! http://www.donorschoose.org/project/i-cant-see-ms-stewart/1042607/
I am asking for math manipulatives to use with my 5th Graders. We have one set of manipulatives for three classes and we teach math at the same time. http://www.donorschoose.org/project/creating-mathematical-minds/1005957/?verify=-380837994&challengeid=294636
Thank you for your post! Good luck!
This is such an awesome idea! I am off to donate now. 🙂 Thanks you, Christi.
My project was just posted today -eeek! 🙂 Kicking off my first year teaching, I am SO ecstatic with how much my 5th graders love reading. In 5th grade my kiddos do not visit library (yikes!) so my classroom library is the only one they see. I am hoping for some student-chosen books to add to our collection. 🙂
http://www.donorschoose.org/project/creating-lifelong-readers-our-40-book-g/1053200/?utm_source=dc&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=proposal_approve
The Brown-Bag Teacher
I set up a Donor's Choose project for 2 iPod Nanos for my classroom as well! They work out so well for Listen to Reading! 2 years ago I had a project funded for 2, and the year before that I had one funded for my first 2. If this one gets funded I'll have 6 iPods to use in my room which would be wonderful! The students get very excited about using them and I have found a TON of books to put on there to choose from. I wanted to pay it forward and today I gave $10 toward the MDA telethon, $10 toward one of the projects you have featured (Instant Feedback And Interaction In Our Classroom!) and $10 toward 1 featured on Laura Candler's Caring Classrooms( Art? We Love Art! (part 1)). Below you will find the link for my newly posted project.
http://www.donorschoose.org/project/ihelp-ipods-for-fluency-accuracy-and/1060017/
Thank you for starting this and having a place where teachers can help other teachers!
Sounds awesome! I'll add you to our giving page. 🙂
Fabulous idea! I donated $10 a few days ago to Sit and Bounce. I love the idea of having exercise balls for the kiddos to sit on!
My project was just posted today. I'm so excited because Kia will fund half of my project once the other half is funded. Hopefully I can accomplish this before their grant runs out!
http://www.donorschoose.org/project/bring-the-world-into-our-classroom/1065802/?utm_source=dc&utm_medium=proposal&utm_campaign=facebook
All the best,
Patti
One Class, One Sound