Real Talk
In recent years, crowdfunding platforms such as Adopt a Classroom, DonorsChoose, and Share a Cart have eased some of the financial burden on teachers. These platforms allow teachers to spend their paychecks on their own financial needs instead of supplies for their students. This is the way it should be.
But… there is always a “but” in education; now we see a rise in school districts banning crowdfunding in the name of financial oversight.
Just when we had some help with school supplies, the powers that be stripped it away. Whyyyyyy?
Teachers spend their own money all year long.
How much do teachers spend yearly on school supplies? On average, they spend between 500 and 750 dollars on items their students need. Teachers spend the most money on their classrooms at the beginning of the year because so much preparation goes into a new room full of students.
But teachers don’t stop spending after September. When something is lacking that would make learning more fun or successful, teachers fill the gaps with money from their own pockets.
They shouldn’t have to.
Crowdfunding has been a great help.
Crowdfunding in education is raising funds from a large group of individuals, usually through the internet, for educational projects, supplies, or essential resources.
Many educators have come to rely on these tools as school budgets fail to keep up with rising supply costs. Crowdfunding has provided a lifeline, ensuring students—especially in underfunded schools—don’t go without essential learning materials.
I have used DonorsChoose for many years. The added funds have allowed my colleagues and me to participate in field trips and educational projects that we wouldn’t have enjoyed otherwise.
Why are schools banning crowdfunding?
Ohio, Maryland, and Tennessee districts have already enacted restrictions that prevent teachers from raising money for school supplies or projects. Many of these districts use the following reasons for their decision:
1. Negative Public Perception
Some districts fear that allowing teachers to publicly ask for donations highlights funding shortfalls, potentially embarrassing the administration or local government.
They should be embarrassed! Dumb reason.
2. Accountability Issues
Many districts worry that money may be misused and there is no way to track donated materials.
This boils down to public mistrust of teachers, which is sad and damaging.
3. Equity Concerns
Some areas might have greater access to more donations, which could create disparities within districts. However, eliminating the ability to crowdfund hurts the students the most.
The impact of the ban on teachers and students is significant.
Teachers are frustrated with spending their own money on resources that should be supplied. Without financial support or the option to crowdfund, students will miss out on the engaging educational opportunities this funding offers.
Since 2000, DonorsChoose alone has funded 1,185,600 teacher projects, including Birdologists in the Making and Coding Robots and Beyond. The viral #clearthelist campaign used social media to summon celebrities and strangers to help with teachers’ wish lists.
Eliminating innovative projects that can only happen with crowdfunding will further damage students’ and teachers’ creativity and outside-the-box thinking.
STEM activities, field trips, plays, and access to the latest technology reinvigorate teachers and students. These fun activities are what students will remember most about school.
Taking away crowdfunding does more harm than good as it tends to create low morale and burnout for teachers and students.
Finding a middle ground is simple.
Teachers know what their students need. States are again finding ways to stifle teachers’ innovativeness and creativity by eliminating our resourcefulness. Of course, this trickles down to our students.
Instead of outright banning crowdfunding, districts should consider establishing clear policies that outline how and where funds can be requested. This transparency would enable oversight without removing the ability to secure much-needed resources.
Using pre-approved platforms like DonorsChoose ensures that materials are shipped directly to schools and can be tracked.
Stop tying the hands of teachers.
Until meaningful change and more dollars are given to education, schools should not penalize teachers for trying to provide their students with the necessary resources. Instead, they should encourage it.
Instead of restricting crowdfunding, districts should work with educators to create fair, responsible ways to ensure that every classroom is well-equipped for success.
