For a long time, teachers often buy items for their classrooms: a pack of highlighters, a ream paper, and art supplies for a class project.
But at a time when the budget is severely cut, schools cannot provide more material than ever before.
Sometimes the cost of these items is relatively high: a book, sound system, or iPad.
As a result, teachers are increasingly turning to projects chosen by non-profit site donors, which provide teachers with a platform to request funding assistance for their classrooms.
"We don't have all the resources we need for our students," said Daniel Göttinger, who teaches algebra II at Huntington Park High School.
He asked the donor for help and chose to buy a graphic calculator and a document camera for his classroom.
"I want to do what I can to help my students achieve at all levels.
"In Los Angeles, more teachers may see their wish list funded after $4.
This month, the Wasserman Foundation donated millions of dollars to donors. A. -
Charity.
The money will be used for gift cards selected by donors, which will be sent to families of children in public schools, and then they can use these cards to buy gifts for schools in Los Angeles, and match donations from other people in the community.
"This will ensure that every family can become a micro-philanthropist," said Charles Best, a former Bronx teacher who created the online program 11 years ago. L. A.
Uniied encourages each teacher to post up to two projects in donosheothella, totaling $800. org.
So far, hundreds of teachers have delivered their speeches: a set of drama books for middle school classes;
Additional computers so that primary school students don't have to wait too long;
In another primary school, iPad is used instead of bulky and outdated computers;
Or go to the Discovery Science Center to help the fourth-grade students learn about electricity.
Patricia Miller, transition kindergarten teacher at Beverly Grove Redwood Avenue Primary School, uses wooden puzzles to help her students develop well
Sports skills and eyes
But some people have lost something.
"I don't want to throw them away because I still think it's a valuable resource that I can't replace," she said . ".
She got a new one through the website.
Best said the site was designed to "showcase the innovation and imagination of teachers ".
It also enables communities to invest in a school while they are accountable, he said.
Teachers must provide a detailed breakdown of costs and explain who their students are, what projects they are working on, and what the money will be used to fund.
Because of this, teachers have to learn how to attract
Become a donor and pick their projects on the website instead of thousands of other projects.
Do they use pun or do they pull heartstrings with their hands?
To put it bluntly, or to try to convince donors that they can play a role in developing the greatest collection of ideas since the Manhattan Project?
"You want to personalize it to make sure they know where and who [is]the students]
"Coming from and knowing that your program will improve the student's grades," Gettinger said of his strategy . ".
Other people try different ways.
Some start with an interesting title (
"Is Watt powered? ")
Or try to sound powerful (
"Emerging Writers discover their beats ").
A teacher chose the reality survey: "It is clear to my students that we live in the digital age.
So why are they expected to learn in the same way that Victorian use?
"Some teachers have expressed concern that requests for help may make them look like they are seeking sympathy for poor students.
"I'm not feeling well about it," said Chuck Olynyk, a world history teacher at Roosevelt High School . ". "I won't do it.
"But the best response is that it should be a direct way for teachers to allow communities to invest in education.
He believes that taking the Dickens-style route will hinder their chances.
Ideal method?
"Let me tell you about my students and let me tell you about my project," he said . ".
"No, 'Sir, please lose a penny in my tin cup. '" rick. rojas@latimes.