What would you change in your child’s school? We all have a list. The teachers do too. Most changes need money. But, what is the appropriate way to financially support your child’s school? (Financially support could be as simple as a $10 donation.)
Teachers Spending Money
For 8 years I taught in a school system outside Washington DC. During those years I spent over a $1000 of my own money to provide the best learning opportunities to my students. I was just like so many others teachers across the countries – teachers pulling money out of their own paychecks to get their job done. What I would have done if someone cut me a check one year to purchase each and every supply I would need, beyond the minimal supplies the school system provided?
Getting Money to the Teachers
AdoptAClassroom.org is a non-profit website that connects classrooms to potential donors. It’s super simple. From the AdoptAClassroom.org site, you begin by selecting the school and specific classroom (if applicable) that you wish to make your donation. You may find that the classroom teacher has included a list of items they need. The donor then can donate money that will go DIRECTLY to the teacher – 100% of the donation!
Tell the Teacher
My child’s classroom/teacher are not listed on the AdoptAClassroom.Org page. Even searching through the 2 schools I taught at, I found only ONE teacher listed and ready to accept donations! Let’s help the teachers and get them listed!
Check out this toolkit put together by Office Depot: http://www.officedepot.com/a/promo/pages/toolkit/. It has all the links to get the teacher/classroom listed and opportunities to spread the word!
Pinning for Prizes for Teachers
Most of us are Pinterest Junkies – spending way too much time pinning recipes and home decor ideas! Tonight, head over to Pinterest to have a chance to win a an Office Depot gift card for you and a teacher of your choice with the Office Depot #TeachersChangeLives Pinterest Sweepstakes! Not a bad prize for pinning!
Here’s a quick look at how to enter!
If you need to peek at an example, check out the Office Depot #TeachersChangeLives pin board!
Once you create your #TeachersChangeLives Pinterest board, be sure to report it using this form. Three winners whose boards meet the entry requirements will be randomly selected to win a $100 Office Depot gift card for themselves and a $50 Office Depot gift card for the teacher of their choice! Full sweepstakes rules can be found on Office Depot’s Facebook page.
The Pinterest Sweepstakes ends at midnight on May 5th! Hurry!
So What Now?
- Take a look at the Office Depot Toolkit for AdoptAClassroom.org.
- Follow the steps to list your child’s teacher.
- Spread the word!
- Create your #TeachersChangeLives Pinterest Board to win $$$!
Disclosure: I am an Office Depot REAL Change blog ambassador. This post is part of a campaign where I was compensated for my time. To learn more about REAL Change, visit their website.
