Your tax dollars only go so far. Sometimes teachers have to dig into their own pockets to bring that “added something” to the student.
In years past, things like bake sales have helped – they still do.
But now, crowd funding is a way teachers are raising money for the extras.
Westerville North High School Chemistry teacher Jeff Bracken said sometimes outside help is necessary to provide a different learning experience.
He also said he’s glad the Westerville Education Foundation has an easy way right on its website for the community to get involved in kids’ learning experience, by helping teachers explore ways to get beyond the book.
“That’s the kind of thing that makes teaching come alive,” Bracken said.
Some of his colleagues, including teacher Zach Wilkerson, have used Fund-A-Project to elevate the student experience.
All you have to do is go to the foundation website, and click your way to a donation.
Teachers wanting to raise money explain their goal, outline the money needed and spread the word via social media.
Wilkerson was able to take the Mock Trial Team to nationals because of contributions totaling $1,300.
“It was amazing how simple it was, and how effective it was at raising that kind of cash quickly,” Wilkerson said.
“It honestly meant a lot to me because going to a national competition was one of the best experiences of my life so far,” student Tiffany McCutcheo said. “We got to meet so many people and do so many cool things. It enhanced me as a person.”
If you’re wondering about broader results, the Westerville Education Foundation says since expanded crowd funding started last year, the community has donated more than $10,000 to Fund-a-Project and more than $5,000 to Adopt-a-Classroom.
If you’d like to check out the site, just go to www.westervilleeducationfoundation.com.
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