Financial help for teachers: How to raise money for our class teacher's needs?

It will be great when our schools have all the resources they need to fully support teachers. But all too often, teachers these days have to overcome funding shortages absolutely on their own. A study by the U.S. Department of Education found that 94% of public school teachers have to use their own salaries to buy textbooks and supplies when funding for the school where they teach is insufficient. And now, as teachers try to balance education and safety in a time of coronavirus, they are burdened with even more costs.

This is where grants, scholarships, and crowdfunding can provide financial help for teachers. This article explains the pros and cons of each of these fundraising options for teaching and highlights the best ways teachers can make a significant difference without reaching into their own pockets.

How can we help teachers during COVID-19?

As the coronavirus pandemic continues to change everyday life, teachers and students are struggling to adapt to the new times. The financial burden of ensuring student safety with personal protective equipment (PPE) often falls on teachers - these are amounts on top of school supplies they already have to pay for. Many teachers also pay to buy air purifiers and have the expense of building an outdoor classroom to keep their students safe.

Here's what you can do to support teachers during COVID-19:

• Ask your local schools and teachers what supplies they need most for virtual or in-class instruction and find out how you can help.
• Donate to a fundraising campaign for teacher supplies.
• Contact us and start a campaign at PavelAndreev.ORG

1. Grants for teachers.

Grants allow teachers to improve their classrooms, offer enrichment and upgrading programs, and more. From science materials to musical instruments, grants can help provide teachers with the school supplies they need to fulfill their calling - to teach. Grants can also allow teachers to use professional development opportunities to become better teachers. While much of the grant funding comes from the government, and the government is now overwhelmed with the costs of the COWID-19 pandemic, other organizations such as nonprofits, private foundations, and corporations can offer grants.

Pros

• Grants usually provide large sums of money.
• If you have received a grant and the amount meets all your needs and you are financially secure, you could take the time to start a campaign among your friends in your school classroom.
• If your school or classroom has a clear need, you may be in a strong position to win grants, which are usually based on the needs you will talk about.

A similar campaign is New Classroom for 9th Grade A. A teacher from a school in Rousse contacted us saying they wanted to do some refreshing repairs but didn't have the budget to do it. Thanks to the donors who supported her cause in September the students will enjoy their new classroom.

Cons

• You may have to face administration to prove your need for funds.
• Grants can be difficult to collect, which makes it feel like you'll have a hard time raising the funds, but don't give up.
• Usually you don't have the freedom to spend grant money on any school needs. Most grants have strict spending guidelines and that's the way it should be.

2. Teacher Grants.

Grants can provide financial resources for teachers, classrooms, and students based on achievement and merit. It is usually a little easier to apply for scholarships than grants.

Pros

• Scholarships come with a sense of deservingness because they are earned on merit.
• Applying for scholarships can require much less paperwork than applying for grants.
• Scholarships can revolutionize a classroom or school. Some scholarship programs award large sums of money for advanced education and training.

Cons

• Applying for scholarships can be quite time consuming.
• Almost all scholarships are highly competitive. To win one, you need to stand out from a large pool of applicants.
• The timing and disbursement of funds may not match your needs.

3. Fundraising (crowdfunding) for teachers.

Crowdfunding, or fundraising, has become a popular alternative to scholarships in recent years and helps teachers quickly find funding at school. In-school fundraising not only bypasses the red tape associated with grants and scholarships, but allows teachers to truly invest in their students' education exactly as they want. Here are some other benefits:

Pros

• No eligibility requirements or deadlines. Start fundraising within minutes and withdraw your money when you're ready.
• Involving students in the fundraising process encourages team building and friendly competition.

The community around you can rally around your cause by donating and sharing your fundraising campaign on social media.

Cons

• Setting up, launching and updating a fundraising campaign can seem intimidating at first. However, some teachers and administrative workers can share the tasks and help. Students can also take on tasks.
• Asking for donations and sharing the fundraising campaign may seem scary at first. But it's actually very easy!

Create the ultimate teacher wish list.

A Time article reported that some districts are struggling to provide teachers with basic items like trash bags and disinfectants. Creating a wish list for teachers gives you the freedom to think outside the box and dream beyond the bare minimum. These steps will help you create your own wish list for teachers:

1. Start your lesson plans early.

Roughly planning out your assignments for the year will help determine what activities and field trips are planned and what extra activities you want to make time for.

2. Pick up new supplies.

Make a list of the class supplies you already have. Knowing what is already covered by your class will help you easily figure out what items you will need to buy on your own.

3. Don't be afraid to think big

Perhaps you'd like your language class to perform its own original play to complement its Shakespeare assignment. Or maybe your science class would benefit from hands-on learning at the science museum. Whether it's special activities, iPads, or interactive furniture, add these items to your teacher wish list.

4. Find the gaps in your budget

Take a good look at your department's budget. When you know exactly how much money you have for the year, you'll be able to easily determine what activities and supplies aren't covered. Once you know how much extra money you'll need, you'll be ready to run a successful fundraising campaign.

Take advantage of financial assistance today.

With crowdfunding, getting help for teachers has never been easier. By fundraising for your class, you can engage with social media and parents, students, and members of your community to get the support and financial resources you and your class need. Start fundraising for your teachers and start raising funds for education today.