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After many weeks (months? years? lifetimes?) of distance/hybrid learning, you and your students might be headed back to the physical classroom. This can feel overwhelming, so we asked members of our Teacher Community who’ve already made the transition to share their best tips and tricks.

Keep the social, add the distance.

Having your students back – in person! all together! – will be a sigh of relief and a completely different experience than it was before. Spend some time redesigning your classroom to adhere to your school, district, and state standards for social distancing. Small enhancements can keep students safe while still feeling connected.

"My students sit on the floor so I created a grid for the kids to sit in – that way they can still have flexible seating but know that they need to do it within a certain space to stay distanced. I used sit spots and LONG velcro strips since my floor is carpeted." —Carter Bell

"My back to school to-do list included rearranging my preschool classroom to close off all the toys and make individual tables, making individual boxes of toys for the kids, organizing my cleaning and sanitizing needs, taking care of licensing paperwork, and having a meet and greet for my incoming kids." —Cathy Marie

"I put painters tape Xs on my floor at six ft distances to use to keep desks/tables in the appropriate spaces as well as a guide for lining up. Visual is helpful for kindergarten students and their teacher

." —Andrea Ellsworth Melton

You can request velcro strips, storage boxes, flexible seating and much more through DonorsChoose. Inspired? Start your project today.

Right now, not sharing is caring.

Repackaging class sets for individual use takes time and extra organizing, but it’ll make your classroom run safely and smoothly. Subject-specific kits, supplies for special classes, books, and indoor recess items can all be prepped and labeled for individual students.

When possible, make individual ‘kits’ for students to avoid multiple students touching classroom supplies. (ie, Have a basket for each student for their supplies. Baggies and pencil boxes are great for math tool kits, books and basic supplies)." —Teresa Morris

"I think getting each student the basic supplies they’ll need is important and also considerate. We don’t know what their families have been through this past year, or what fiscal position they’re in. It’s also safer for us to not have to touch items that come from students’ homes." —Jennifer Epstein-McFee

"Individual supply boxes with [their] own supplies to take to special classes (art, music, library) with earbuds and backpacks. No sharing of supplies in any area." —Jennifer Carrico

"Individual activity bins you can pass out for indoor recess or STEM time. I use pencil boxes and put things in them like legos, pipe cleaners, cubes, straws, etc. kids love to build! We also have individually labeled containers of play dough." —Janine Spiess

You can request zipper storage bags, supply boxes, individual sets of manipulatives, and much more through DonorsChoose. Ready? Start your project today.

Masks on, but keep smiling.

The newest must-have school supply? Masks. And lots of them. Keeping extra supplies on hand will help you and your students feel as comfortable as possible.

"Buy extra disposable masks for your students. I've found that one of the best ways to help them stay masked all day is to have tools on hand to make masking easier. My students love knowing they can ask for a new mask anytime, no questions asked." —Erika McDonald

"Find a method to encourage them to keep masks on. I have a mystery mask wearer in every class. If they keep their mask on, the class gets a treat. If they don’t, I don’t reveal who it was, but no treat." —Melissa B Sinda

"Hack: we all look so different in a mask. My co-worker used her Cricut to make a mask for each student with their name on it. BEST hack ever!!" —Harley Abrevaya

"I found it useful to have disposable masks and hand sanitizers readily available! My students use at least 2 masks each day depending on the durability of the disposable masks." —FJ Geldore

"Things to stock up on – masks! Lots of masks. Students go through masks like crazy (as do you). For yourself I would also keep face wipes because your face tends to sweat a lot and the wipe is very refreshing. Make sure to take your students outside a little more than normal for mask breaks." —Angela Knapmiller

You can request masks, hand sanitizer, face wipes and much more through DonorsChoose. Interested? Start your project today.

Reimagine, rearrange.

Everything is changing, again. Having new processes and routines in place before your students return to school will help set expectations from day one. From there, you can figure out what works best for your classroom and adjust as needed.

"I’ve found it helpful to have little checklists for all our new routines. And I end everything five minutes early to allow us time to do extra clean up between classes." —Natalie Ann

"Have a routine for moving through your classroom. I have a routine for entering and exiting, how many people can be standing at one time, which tables use which stations (trash, tissue, hand sanitizer, sanitizing wipes)." —Jessica Mishima-Donahue

"My advice: Think through *all* your pre-pandemic procedures. What do they need to look like NOW? (For example, I'm in PreK and the kids need to get their mask box if they want to take their mask off on the playground. So "get your mask box" had to become part of our procedures for lining up, and we need a protocol for cleaning hands before/after masks). Can they take masks off? When, and where do they go? (Command hook on their desk, or something different?) How do they get materials/supplies this year? Do they need to have their own at their seat? How are you delineating what their personal space looks like in your room? (Desks, floor tape, etc) Etc etc etc...you got this!!!" —Emily Dunham Les

You can request cleaning supplies, Command Hooks, personal storage and much more through DonorsChoose. Have an idea? Start your project today.

Remember, you’re all in this together.

There may be some long days ahead. Know that teachers everywhere are with you and cheering you on. And so is the DonorsChoose team! We’re here to help.

"Biggest tip – give yourself some grace. Make time for something that fills your cup." —Rebecca Jones

"We are back in the classroom and my biggest advice is to take it one day at a time. Extend grace to yourself and yourself students." —Ashley Adams Gray

"Take care of yourself! Self care is more important now than ever." —Teresa Morris

"Just breathe! We went back in October and you can't have a perfect plan. So give yourself some grace!" —Laura Goodner

"Also.... a lot of patience and flexibility! it’s been amazing to see the kids and their excitement to be back together 

" —Megan Hawkins

"My biggest tip- be flexible. All kids are "behind," so it's okay. We need to focus more on their mental health than if they know everything. What do they need? A teacher who cares and listens." —Liz Prince

Looking for more teacher-to-teacher real talk (and pep talks)? Connect with the 20,000+ teachers in our DonorsChoose community on Facebook.

After a year of quarantine and social distancing, even the most brightly-decorated classroom walls can feel like they’re closing in. Fortunately, DonorsChoose teachers across the country have figured out 2021’s version of the Magic School Bus: Virtual Field Trips.

Are you dreaming of having an author Zoom into your remote classroom? Wishing your students could spend a day with penguins at the aquarium? Looking for a way to escape Earth and spend a day on Mars?

Now you can create a virtual class trip or virtual class visitor project for your students on DonorsChoose. As part of your virtual class trip or virtual class visitor project, you’ll be able to request funding for the activity, event, or experience. As part of your virtual class trip for your students, you can also request supplemental items like funding for snacks to accompany your voyage! (What’s a field trip without the snacks?) For the best chance of success, we recommend keeping your total project cost below $600.

If you already know your dream (virtual) destination, the DonorsChoose virtual field trip help center can help you get started today.

Or if you’re just starting to create your classroom’s ‘travel’ bucket list, here’s one of our favorite round-ups: 25+ Amazing Educational Virtual Field Trips. From the International Space Station to the San Diego Zoo, Yellowstone to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the whole world can fit right on your screen.

Your fellow DonorsChoose teachers have some extra special project ideas to share:

• Hamiltour: a Virtual NYC walking tour to dive deeper into the Broadway Musical Hamilton (Mrs. Schwarz, 8th Grade)
  
• The Challenger Center: an absolutely amazing virtual community mission to Mars (Ms. Woods, 6th Grade)
  
• The Gentle Barn: an incredible virtual experience where students will learn about kindness to one another, animals and our planet (Ms. Minas, 5th Grade)
  
• Zoom Visit: Oscar-Nominated Filmmaker to speak about his film on Emmett Till, offer insight into racism in American history, discuss recent events, and talk about the need for a relentless daily fight against ignorance. (Ms. Jess Hinds, 9th Grade)
  
• Crayola Factory: a kit of goodies to experience all Crayola has to offer while taking a virtual guided tour through the factory (Ms. O’Sullivan, Kindergarten)

Class field trips – even those made possible by WiFi instead of school buses – create favorite memories, get students engaged, and bring learning to life. Mrs. Schwarz from New Jersey said it best: “It would be my honor, in a year already so strife with difficult times due to the pandemic, to put a little sparkle into my students' day with a virtual field trip.”

Inspired to create a virtual field trip or virtual class visitor project? Get started today!

“I saw students on Zoom with blank stares. I saw students with little to no emotion. These students who were once filled with life had changed.” - Ms. Kelly, 9th Grade

For Ms. Kelly and her class, the answer was Finding Gratitude One Journal Entry at a Time. It’s been an extraordinarily challenging school year. You’re not alone in your fatigue, your concern, or your sincere desire to lift your students to a brighter place. Here are six ways your next DonorsChoose project can bring much-needed joy and wellness to your classroom.

1. Add some color.

Every sidewalk is a blank canvas, whether it’s outside your classroom or in your students’ front yards. For a simple project that will bring smiles to your students (and their neighbors!), request a forever favorite: buckets of sidewalk chalk and other outdoor art supplies.

"Sadly, my seven and eight year-old students are spending way too much time on their computers. Sidewalk chalk is another way to get students out and moving. They can create drawings or even leave messages for friends and neighbors. Getting outside and playing is so important for the physical and mental health of these young students." —Healthy Minds and Healthy Bodies, Mrs. Maiorano, 2nd Grade

"It is difficult to create a sense of unity as a class among students who are learning entirely over Zoom, but we work hard to do this having grade level Zoom meetings on "Fun Fridays" where we do Fun activities together. For our final "Fun Friday" of the year, we'd like to introduce the students to the Kindness Rocks project and participate in rock painting together over Zoom. Students will paint rocks and can put positive messages on them. We will encourage them to hide the rocks around the community where people can find them, so that the rocks may bring joy to others." —Rock Painting Kits for Kindness Rocks, Ms. Mohr, 9th Grade

2. Send a smile.

A snail mail surprise makes any day brighter! You can request stamps from Staples, shipping supplies, and small treats and trinkets to send to your students at home, whether you see them in the classroom or only on screen.

"I'd love your help with purchasing more stamps so I can continue to send my students letters in the mail to let them know they're doing a great job! This pandemic has really made students feel disconnected from school, but these letters to them are reminders that they are still part of our school community, and we still care about them and all their successes, no matter how small." —Mail Call for our Class, Ms. Heckmann, 3rd Grade

"I had the opportunity to ship boxes of books and treats to all of my young learners, even the kids who are coming to campus for instruction (because everyone loves receiving mail!). I was so grateful for the chance to bring joy into their lives and connect with kids who I have only interacted with via a computer screen." —Spring Care Packages, Mrs. I., 4th Grade

3. Shake it off.

Lift your students’ hearts by raising their heart rates. Pedometers, musical instruments, colorful sensory objects, and yoga mats help get students moving independently or together, at home or in the classroom.

"Students and families will be given pedometers to...take mindfulness walks that will allow for mindfulness scavenger hunts, acts of kindness to be shared, and time for discussions of what they are learning, what interests they have, how they are handling life in a pandemic, and any other topics they wish to work on." —Steps for Students: Taking Steps for Social and Emotional Learning, Ms. C, 2nd Grade

"These instruments will give my children the opportunity to create their own music dance beat. Every single day we dance all around the classroom while listening to all different genres of music. The colorful scarves will be used while we dance to the music. This music project will certainly give my students the joy of music in such a fun way" —Music Ignites All Areas of Child Development, Ms. Palomba, Pre-K - 2

"My students need yoga mats to self regulate their bodies and emotions. At the beginning of each day we set aside 15 to 20 minutes to do child centered yoga, to help the kids get in touch with both their body and their emotional state." —Yoga-tastic, Ms. Burke, Grades 3-5

Go on a (Virtual) Adventure.

A little escapism might be just what your students need to re-engage with learning. The DonorsChoose Teacher’s Guide to Virtual Field Trips will show you how to bring farm animals, outer space, celebrated authors, or world-class art and music to your classroom or Zoom screen.

"As we explore the vast universe and the International Space Station, students wish to be more a part of the experiment but a field trip during Covid is not an option. Who doesn't remember going to the museum and someone buying space ice cream and getting to try it? Just a fun way to bring joy into learning when students have had to change and grow so much this year." —Space Ice Cream for Explorers During a Non-Field Trip Year!, Mrs. Schenk, Grades 3-5

5. Take a Brain Break.

When life gets overwhelming, learning becomes even more difficult. Request items that give your students a productive option for downtime. Chess sets, puzzles, sensory toys, fidget spinners, and art supplies can help students reset and recharge.

"Learning through this pandemic hasn't been easy for anyone. My students [need] materials to make slime and stress balls, paintings, coloring books, snacks, and games to encourage and inspire relaxation, meditation, and friendship through collaboration to support mental and emotional wellness." —Let’s Be Stress Free!, Ms. Ovalle, 9th Grade

"We will be returning to the classroom soon! [My students] will be asked to stay at their seat for the entire time they are at school. This is going to be a challenge for many of my students so I want to provide a Brain Break Kit for every student in my classroom. This kit will include a couple fidget toys, a deck of cards, a Rubik's Cube, and some coloring pages." —Brain Break Kits, Ms. Potthoff, 6th Grade

6. Give 5 More Minutes of Recess

And finally, a request from all students everywhere that requires no DonorsChoose project at all: when the day gets overwhelming, 5 more minutes of recess or unstructured social time is always a good idea. 🧡

Ready for some classroom joy? Start your project today!

With a year of social distancing and virtual communication under our belts, we have no doubts just how essential technology is to our daily lives. For the past year, tech-as-learning-tools have been front and center — and they’re likely to remain, even as students and teachers head back to the classroom! This summer is the perfect time to learn new computer science skills, hone your expertise, and connect virtually with educators across the country.

The Pathfinders Summer Institute is a 5-day, virtual professional development conference that helps K–12 teachers across the country up their computer science and maker ed skills. Want to learn skills and tips to bring computer science into your English or Social Studies class? Looking to blow your students away with new cricut engineering skills? How about building confidence in teaching your remote learners robotics? Pathfinders has it, and a dozen other courses.

Infosys Foundation USA will triple donations to help DonorsChoose teachers access CS and maker education professional development opportunities through the virtual Pathfinders Institute this July.

Don’t take our word for it! Last year, 280 teachers representing 46 states attended the virtual Pathfinders Winter Institute, and 99.5% said they would participate in a future Pathfinders event! From connecting with fellow educators to learning new ideas they could implement in class the very next day, teachers new and experienced alike valued the hands-on PD approach.

Even better: You can create a DonorsChoose project to fund the cost, and the Infosys Foundation USA will match every donation by 3X. That means a $10 donation turns into $30, $25 turns into $75, and so on.

To get started, take a look at the extensive list of courses on the Pathfinders website, then visit our help center to find out how to apply to Pathfinders before creating your DonorsChoose project.

To qualify for DonorsChoose funding, apply for the Pathfinders Summer Institute by May 14, 5PM EDT and submit your project to DonorsChoose by May 17.

COVID-19 and social distancing made the past year a hard one for personal connection. For a year, we’ve been meeting online, attending virtual conferences, and celebrating birthdays and holidays far apart from loved ones.

Teachers and students have faced especially heightened challenges since schools began closing last March. From bouncing between in-person learning to virtual learning and back again, to trying to focus on arithmetic while worrying about health and safety, students are in need of support. In a recent DonorsChoose survey of 1,100 teachers, one educator shared, “Teaching this year has been like trying to catch butterflies.”

Through DonorsChoose, teachers create projects requesting resources and materials to help their students learn. Donors give in any amount to projects that inspire them. When a project is fully funded, the DonorsChoose team orders and ships resources directly to the verified teacher. Since the pandemic began, resources like books, learning basics like pens and notebooks, connectivity devices, and learning kits and games have all been essential for teachers working in the classroom and virtually.

When seeking a new way to engage employees while staying safe and socially distanced, LyondellBasell found a creative solution. By giving employees DonorsChoose gift codes, employees could have a hand in company philanthropy and support schools in their local community during the year when teachers and students most need support.

LyondellBasell gave $200,000 to bring to life 1,200 projects at 897 schools.

LyondellBasell wanted to give employees the opportunity to support their local community while helping students continue to learn during this exceptionally challenging year. Each employee received a DonorsChoose gift code to use towards a COVID-related project that inspired them. 

“I’m proud to work for a company that enabled me to team up with some of my colleagues to fully supplement a classroom in a low-income school district. This was truly a testament to the power of many and the difference we can make when working together.” —Jennifer Cunningham, senior engineer, LyondellBasell Channelview Complex

Read more on why LyondellBasell was so excited to inspire their employees to support teachers.

Here are a few projects Lyondell Chemical Company employees brought to life.

Allow Me to Paint You a Picture

Mrs. Mills | Grades 9-12 | Cleveland, TX

“During a time of economic uncertainty, I hope to provide my students with quality materials to continue creating, whether in the classroom or at home. Supplying my students with their own personal set of brushes will give them the freedom to create art at home, should the need arise to return to remote learning.”

Printing Our Way During Distance Learning!

Mr. De La Rosa | Grades 3-5 | Texas

“Our classroom will look somewhat different this year and we are working diligently to help our students have a successful school year. If we have a classroom printer, it will be much easier to print needed supplies or directions for students in class and also work virtually. Virtual students will benefit from the printer by having access to the printed materials we have in class and send them home with the students.”

Dedicated Scholars Even from a Distance

Ms. Dianne Gonzalez | Grades PreK-2 | Houston, TX

“Sometimes it is difficult to continue learning when you don’t have the supplies. This project provides materials like journals, crayons, and manipulatives that the students can use for learning at home. During these times of the pandemic, anything helps. and this will truly bring a smile to my students’ faces when they see all the materials they will be able to use in person and at home.”

Check out more funded projects

Each March, schools and organizations across the country celebrate women’s contributions to history. From encouraging students to read literature by women authors, to teaching about unsung female scientific pioneers, teachers have the opportunity to uplift women’s history — vital to building strong citizens of all genders. But cheering on women’s contributions doesn’t need to end when the calendar turns to April!

We took a look at some of the awesome teacher projects funded this year in celebration of Women’s History Month, to give you inspiration and ideas for celebrating women in history all year long. Get inspired, and create your project!

Expand Your Classroom Library

Having classroom shelves filled with books written by and about incredible women is step 1 to creating a gender inclusive classroom. Biographies, novels, and everything in between will paint inspiring pictures showing students what girls and women can accomplish, and will give female students the chance to envision bold futures for themselves.

Mrs. Izzi, an elementary school teacher from Chicago, requested 17 new books for her classroom library and to read aloud with students. 

“Exposing my students to women in literature affirms their own beliefs that girls are capable of achieving great things and fosters positive thinking about women achievement.”

Mrs. Izzi

Looking for books by and about women to keep your readers engaged? Check out the blog post 15 Books by Women Authors to Celebrate Women in History with Your Students.

Help Students Express Themselves

Art and creativity are keys to unlocking new horizons for students and helping them think creatively about how they relate to the world. Whether helping students get hands-on and crafty, or using women’s history as a lens for painting class, teachers can tap their students’ creative verve to explore this topic.

Ms. B. wanted to give her high schoolers the tools to celebrate Women’s History and Gay Pride throughout their school. Instead of just encouraging students to use their voices, she gave students t-shirts and the tools to decorate them! 

In Atlanta, Ms. Pendergrass’ students developed their own project for community empowerment: Equity through Arts. Through the lens of Social Emotional Learning, students learn about women in history and their fight for equity. Then, students “create their own work of art that will reflect what was shared.”

Dive Deep into the Biographies of Incredible Women

No matter the subjects your students are most interested in, you can integrate women’s history by highlighting the biographies of women contributing to those subjects. 

Have a class full of young activists like Mrs. Sabrina Wright? Inspire them with the first-hand account of Ruby Bridges. Students digging deep into American political history like those of Ms. Ebonye? Ruth Bader Ginsburg bios are a must! And of course, Hidden Figures is the go-to for your young female scientists, just like for those in Mrs. Venable’s class.

Integrate Women’s History into STEM

Women’s contributions span every subject! Examining the ways that women have innovated and contributed to STEM achievements can get young girls interested in the field.

Mrs. Saravia wanted her Texas elementary mathematicians to learn how women have contributed to math — stories often untold in both history and math class! She requested 10 books highlighting different women who’ve spurred mathematical innovation.

“My students need to see themselves as mathematicians, and learning about the path these mathematicians paved for us will be a great example for them.”

Mrs. Saravia

Want to give your students tools to dig even deeper into women’s contributions to STEM fields? Adapt a fellow teachers’ project integrating the IF/THEN Collection into learning for your classroom, and you could qualify for doubled donations. Get started.

Inspired to create a project? Get started today!

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to worldwide shortages of many popular teacher materials. Visit our Global Inventory Hub for more guidance on the best ways to get the resources you need.

Giving girls the chance to imagine themselves as scientists, mathematicians, and engineers is essential to turning the tides for women in STEM careers. The IF/THEN Collection seeks to accomplish just that through a digital asset library of women STEM innovators.

Last fall, Lyda Hill Philanthropies asked teachers to share their best ideas for engaging their students in STEM through the IF/THEN Collection. A panel of experts selected the 10 most innovative projects. Congratulations to the winners below!

Recreate a project for your students and receive 3X donation

Lyda Hill Philanthropies wants to help you bring these winning projects to your students. When you create a project to closely adapt one of the 10 winning ideas for your class, you’ll receive 3X donations. That means every $10 given to your project becomes $30, ever $25 becomes $75, and so on.

Plus, the IF/THEN Collection put together video playlists for each project. These videos will help ground your project and set the stage for learning. Explore the broader IF/THEN Collection for even more resources to tap into your students’ passions.

Learn more and get started

3d Printer Needed for Community Service Project

Ms. Boyd | Dallas, TX | Grades 9–5

“In recent times, I have wondered if they have the gear (like masks) to help stop the spread of COVID-19. Our project would couple technology and math to create the PPE face shields.”

Project goal: Engage students in 3D printing activities and explore how 3D printing is used across STEM careers to solve problems and improve communities

Request anything you’d use to simulate 3D printing in your classroom. 

Actually, It Is Rocket Science!

Ms. Padilla | Tucson, AZ | Grades 3–5

“Students will experience the excitement of STEM careers and the challenges of creating a spacecraft to drop a lunar lander on the moon! Students will be engineers and rocket scientists as they design and build mini spacecrafts and lunar landers using a variety of materials.”

Project goal: Engage students in activities related to space and rocket science and explore how careers in the aerospace field help solve real world problems

Request anything you’d use in an activity demonstrating space or aerospace concepts. For example:

• Safety Scissors
• Bullseye Archery Targets
• Duct tape
• Assorted books about space exploration and astronauts (see project for more suggestions)

If We Build Up Girls, Then We All Become STEMinists

Ms. Trochez MacLean | Los Angeles, CA | Grades 3–5

“I want to use what [my 4th graders] love to build my girls' confidence in doing science, while helping them learn about successful and inspiring women in their STEM fields… My students will use the IF/Then Collection to research Ana Maria Porras, Beata Mierzwa & Yamilee Toussant Beach, who have combined their love of arts & fashion with STEM.”

Project goal: Engage students in activities that combine creative arts and STEM and explore the intersection of art and science in a various STEM careers

Request anything you’d use in activities that combine STEM and creative arts. Ms. Trochez MacLean requested:

• Basic Circuitry Materials 
• Art supplies like copper foil tape, craft sewing kit, embroidery floss, felt fabric sheets & a craft sewing kit

A Bit of Engineering for the Global Goals

Ms. Imhoff | Ashford, CT | Grades 3–5

“It is important for all students to see how science and computer programming can be used to help others. In my experience, when students have the opportunity to use technology to help others, they are more engaged and more of the students become interested in STEM fields.”

Project goal: Engage students in an engineering or computer or data science activity and explore how these STEM subjects can advance solutions for the United Nations Global Goals

Request anything you’d use in an engineering, computer or data science activity in your classroom. Ms. Imhoff requested:

• Micro:bit 

Women in STEM Exploration, Innovation & Communication through Video Production

Mrs. Johnson | Janesville, WI | Grades 3–5

“Students' video productions will not only demonstrate their knowledge of Women in STEM research, but will include many other elements of STEAM and 21st century skill development including engineering, technology, video production, green screen effects, creativity, collaboration, and communication.”

Project goal: Engage students in a STEM activity or experiment and make connections between historical figures of women in STEM and today’s STEM pioneers in similar fields

Request anything you’d use in a STEM-based classroom activity (with or without video production).

Bacterial Diversity in NYC: Supporting Underrepresented Science Research

Mr. Joralemon | New York, NY | Grades 9–12

“Students develop their own questions, and we'll help them develop experimental designs, and then show them how to swab using these supplies. They'll grow the bacteria (either at home, or in our schools' incubators), and track the growth along with their classmates every day.”

Project goal: Conduct experiments or classroom activities to learn about bacteria and its presence in our daily lives while also learning about what it means to be a bacterial scientist

Request anything you’d use in a bacteria-related activity. Mr. Joralemon requested:

• Cultural Bacteria (i.e. Agar)
• Sterile Swabs 
• Decorative Masking Tape

Doing What Scientists Do: This Is What Science Looks Like!

Mrs. Russ | Valparaiso, FL | Grades 6–8

“My students will see what science looks like by hearing from an IF/THEN Collection scientist, and then do what the scientists do through a variety of hands-on lab experiences related to the featured scientist's field to enhance our Earth Science class.”

Project goal: Conduct earth science experiments or classroom activities and explore STEM careers that research and protect the natural world

Request anything you’d use in an earth science related activity. Mrs. Russ requested:

• Earth Science Investigative Activity Kits

RVR Controllers for Women in STEM Project

Mr. York | Tulare, CA | Grades 9–12

“During this unit, students will investigate a person that has impacted society through robotics. They will be encouraged to use the IF/THEN collection that showcases many of the females in the robotics field.”

Project goal: Engage students in robotics activities and explore how robotics is used across STEM careers to solve problems

Request anything you’d use to explore or simulate robotics in your classroom. Mr. York requested:

• Robotics + Wireless Controllers

Budding Ecologists Need a Drone and Hydroponics System

Ms. Fong | Oxnard, CA | Grades 9–12

“I am going to introduce my students to the IF/THEN collection so they can learn about strong women in the STEM field, like Sam Wynns, a Conservation Biologist for the National Parks Service. She preserves the plants and animals of Cabrillo National Monument by collecting data and doing field studies of species populations. My students will use a drone when we study spatial ecology.”

Project goal: Conduct environmental science experiments or activities (with or without a drone!)  and explore STEM careers that research and protect our natural world

Request anything you’d use in an environmental science related activity. Ms. Fong requested:

• Drone with Remote Controller  
• Hydroponics Activity Kits 
• Small Parts Envelopes 
• Office Garden 
• Basil Herb Seeds

We Should be Dutiful; to Keep the Marine Beautiful

Ms. Sebert | Albany, NY | Grades 9–12

“Many of these students have a natural curiosity about the ocean but haven't ever been able to visit the ocean and see it first hand. They have a desire to not only learn more about the animals and plants within the water but the human impacts on the ocean, as well as the biogeochemical and physical workings.”

Project goal: Anything you’d use in an ocean or marine science related activity and/or  any equipment needed to stream or leverage IF/THEN Collection content

Request anything you’d use in an ocean or marine science related activity. Ms. Sherbert requested:

• Marine Biology Investigative Activity Kits
• Dissection Materials
• Dissection Digital Resources (Available at Carolina Biological Supply Company)

________

Inspired? Visit our help center for even more details on how to adapt these projects and qualify for 3X donations. And don’t forget to check out the IF/THEN Collection playlists for each.

Recently, we had the opportunity to chat about crowdfunding best practices with David DeSchryver, Senior Vice President and Co-Director of Research at Whiteboard Advisors. David holds a J.D. from the George Washington Law School and has significant experience advising districts on the legal ramifications of crowdfunding in public schools. He’s also spoken on the topic at conferences for the Association of School Business Officials (ASBO) International and been published in their monthly journal, School Business Affairs.

How should school districts define “crowdfunding?”

The first step in developing an effective crowdfunding policy is to define the term. Crowdfunding needs to be addressed separately from your district’s current fundraising or grant policy because it’s a unique practice benefiting your students, teachers, and schools. It’s a different form of fundraising and a different kind of grant. Crowdfunding is also a school-based practice, and so it needs its own definition to incorporate its own guardrails and clarify the roles of teachers, principals, and district administrators. You can avoid confusion with non-school based crowdfunding by establishing clear school-based rules and objectives to ensure purposeful use of the service.

What types of crowdfunding platforms help districts? Can others hurt them?

There are a lot of crowdfunding platforms available, some focused on the general public, and a few focused on serving schools. To make sure your district is only using platforms that help the district and don’t expose you to additional liability, you should require these key best practices:

• Prohibit cash. All donations are made in the form of materials and resources. Prohibit cash payments so you don’t get on the wrong side of cash management rules for your district or state.
• Property of the school. Materials received become property of the school and district to support your students, and that policy is reinforced by the crowdfunding service.
• Protect privacy. The platform must have built-in safeguards to protect the privacy of your students. Be sure it is FERPA compliant and poses no threat to your students.
• Tracking and reporting. The crowdfunding service must offer clear and granular tracking and reporting on the projects created and materials donated to your district.
• Reputation guard. To ensure that it is reputable and transparent on its fee structure, the platform should be a charity with at least a 3-star rating on Charity Navigator.

When these conditions are met, the risk of using a crowdfunding platform goes down. You’re mitigating the liability, and the opportunities presented by crowdfunding for your schools goes up. You can better tap into teacher energy and safely generate new resources for your schools and students.

If my district wants to create a new crowdfunding policy or procedure, what kind is most effective?

Your district’s policy or procedure needs to protect you against potential unintended consequences of crowdfunding while also guiding the actions of your teachers, principals, and administrators. Everyone needs to understand their roles and responsibilities.  You can likely cover those bases with a procedure that:

• clarifies which district staff are eligible to create crowdfunding projects
• mandates that teachers only use district-approved crowdfunding platforms and list them
• requires prior district approval if teachers want to use any site not on your vetted, pre-approved list of platforms
• offers teachers at least one district-approved crowdfunding platform to use
• specifies that approved platforms must continually meet all best practices mentioned above regarding material management, school ownership, cost transparency, accountability, FERPA compliance, and student safety

The right type of policy or procedure will help you avoid unexpected violations of cash management rules and make sure the benefits of crowdfunding adhere to your district’s internal controls. Implementing the right procedure is a process, not a destination, so there needs to be ongoing review to make sure the platforms your teachers use meet best practices.

Wouldn’t it be safer for districts to just disallow all teacher-led crowdfunding?

A good policy or procedure protects your district from harmful activities, mitigates risk, and fosters teacher creativity. Crowdfunding prohibitions are reactionary. School officials enact them in the absence of  distinct school practices that define school-based crowdfunding differently than those that serve the general consumer. You want to create something that specifically helps your schools, and prohibitions do not accomplish that. Do the work to clarify the rules and create guardrails against liability so that students and staff can benefit from generous donations.

Incomplete guidelines also invite unwanted situations and liabilities. I recommend districts leverage the work that’s already been done by taking model policies and building on that intellectual work to create guidelines that best serve their district’s goals and clarify what platforms and services can and can’t be used.

Should a district require teachers to get administrator approval for each new project they create?

There’s a big difference between multi-stage district approval procedures and necessary monitoring provisions. You don’t want to create extra work for your administrative team, principals, or your teachers. I recommend looking at crowdfunding platforms that have technology on the backend that can do these things for you. A high quality, approved crowdfunding platform should trigger role-based communication (emails to principals and administrators), automate inventory reporting, monitor teacher usage, and keep everyone synchronized across the district. The best systems allow teachers and administrators to operate without unnecessary layers of review and approval because the platform should be trusted to keep everyone informed.

Making sure your teachers can create new projects in a timely manner allows them to tap into their creativity. This upfront work is just being mindful of the design that allows for quick thinking at the classroom level. Administrators are great at setting the guardrails, grant parameters, and determining the direction to point teachers and schools, but the creative stuff happens at the classroom level. You should enable teachers to get excited about the use of crowdfunding in a way that propels the mission of the school and district. Be thoughtful about how your procedures are designed and use a platform’s built-in backend technology to accelerate and automate the administrative oversight that is required.

Where can I see examples of other districts’ successful crowdfunding policies?

AASA has provided a great crowdfunding best practice and model policy toolkit. You’ll find a treasure trove of materials, resources, and policy examples to learn how to create a policy or procedure that balances mitigating risk and tapping into the energy of teachers.When we do that well, districts can benefit from these new funding streams and opportunities.Some good examples of districts with great policies that get that done:

• The School District of Philadelphia was an early leader in crowdfunding and created a policy in 2016 to support teachers and set procedural guardrails.
• Hamilton County Schools in Tennessee created a blanket approval process for pre-vetted platforms like DonorsChoose. This relates back to the facilitation of an efficient program. Using the hallmarks of a great school-based crowdfunding platform that they could pre-vet, the district allows teachers to move more quickly and build projects that accelerate the mission of the district and learning in the classroom.
• Richmond Public Schools created a firm policy and published guidelines that help teachers use pre-approved crowdfunding platforms with ease. They found the right balance between ensuring proper oversight and monitoring while enabling teachers at the classroom level to support their students, engage the community, and take advantage of timely donation opportunities.

Teachers, you're in our hearts this Valentine’s Day. With that in mind, we wanted to send you a Valentine in the DonorsChoose love language: helpful tips & tricks for our favorite people in the world.

Send some snail-mail 💙

Helpful tips & tricks for our favorite people in the world.

One of our top trending items right now: Stamps! You can add postage stamps or pre-paid shipping supplies to your next project or create a project just for these supplies. (Shop at Amazon Business when you create a project.) When the postage arrives, you’ll be all set to send little reminders of how much you care right to your students’ homes — without paying out of pocket. 

Share the love 💙

We designed these adorable digital greetings just for you. Post on social, pick the perfect one for a colleague, or email to your friends & family along with a link to your DonorsChoose teacher page. Give your loved ones a chance to send some love right back to your classroom!

Find your perfect match 💙

There’s an entire community of DonorsChoose partners looking to support projects that are just their type. From books to digital subscriptions to sports equipment, the materials you request may be eligible for doubled donations thanks to our  corporate and foundation friends. Take a look at what kinds of projects they’re supporting and find the perfect match for you!

This Valentine’s Day, know that you have a not-so-secret admirer in us. Thank you for all you do for your students!

Regardless of what their learning situations have looked like this school year, students are feeling disconnected and facing immense uncertainty. This added stress means student mental health has been top of mind for teachers like never before.

We asked teachers from our community to learn more about what their students are facing and how they’re connecting with their students’ social and emotional needs on any given day. The big takeaway: students and teachers have been working together to face the challenges and stressors that this year has brought. 

Here are a few of the stories that teachers shared and some of the strategies they’re using to connect with their students. 

Read a few stories that teachers shared along with some of the strategies they’re using to connect with their students. Student Experiences are Varied

The teachers who spoke to us about their students’ experiences made one thing clear: every student is different. Those varied experiences have meant paying even more individual attention to their kids, whether in the virtual or in-person classroom. 

“This year is impacting all students, not just the ones who have shown us signs of distress. The ones who seem fine and hold it in are also hurting.” —Ms. Feltz, 1st Grade

“I have a better read on the concerns of my students, more time to support them, and there have been fewer incidents of dysregulation virtually. We are fortunate to have a social thinking hour paired with a read aloud and a social worker who is with us twice a week. These resources did not exist in person.” —Ms. Witherell, 5th Grade

“The constant jostling of remote/in-person learning, remote days, and so on, have been really challenging for students. It’s been harder to make connections with all students, and there are some who don’t have the family support to get logged into daily zoom sessions for services.” —Ms. Marshall, 1st Grade

Checking In Often is Key

Teachers are finding ways to bring in social and emotional learning check-ins to time with their students weekly and sometimes even daily. 

“We have kids hybrid and 100% virtual by parent choice. They are all finding it hard to feel motivated and connected. I’ve eliminated homework, and I have a daily check in.” —Mrs. Vedros, 7th & 8th Grade

“I check in with my students when I see them. As the K-8 art teacher, that means once a week. In addition to asking them how they feel, I'm also listening to what's happening around them and how they react when I ask questions or assign tasks. When they get really defensive when I ask, "What did you work on today?," I worry. When younger siblings are really loud, I worry. We get a real big picture window into our students' lives right now, and that brings a whole lot more to be concerned about when it comes to their mental health.” —Ms. Steiner, Grades K-8

“This is a topic that is heavy on my mind at all times. We have SEL time for the first 20 minutes daily. We do a check in, socialize, and enjoy watching videos about social-emotional growth. The thing that I am truly noticing about my scholars’ emotional well-being currently is that the children that are adjusting well and experiencing successes are those that have adults at home that have a positive, growth mindset! Those that know this is temporary and not 100% negative will still thrive and learn.” —Mrs. Schlotman, 3rd Grade

Teachers are Finding Small Ways to Make Things Easier

Beyond finding ways to check-in daily and weekly, teachers are taking the pressure off of their students and assisting them in connecting with their own emotions through daily SEL, time for reflection, and even some spycraft!  

“I would say students are in limbo and are showing some form of "trauma" physically, emotionally, and mentally. I am trying to start an after school yoga club to help support students.” —Mrs. de Lara-Staunton, PreK-2nd Grade

“I am using the Class Dojo “Big Ideas and Mindfulness” videos with my students. I choose a Social Spy each class session and notify them by email that they are today's spy. Nobody but the Spy knows who they are each session, and everybody gets to be a spy on several different occasions, randomly chosen by Dojo. Their job is to try to notice somebody being kind or using the current social skill we are working on. They email me the person's name and what they saw. The Spy and the Exhibitor both get 5 Dojo "mystery skill" points.” —Ms. Bright, Resource Teacher for K-5

“We do small group zoom sessions after lunch for increased talk time for kids. We do phone calls and porch drops. We send hello cards and stickers in the mail. We offer SEL focused lessons, games, home challenges on MWF from 1-1:30 for primary and 2-2:30 for upper. The classes are led by the counselor and myself.” —Mrs. Igarashi Takayama, Elementary Learning Specialist

Teachers, Take Care of Yourselves

The last message that teachers who spoke to us had was for each other. Knowing that caring for students so deeply can feel heavy, the folks we heard from made it clear that caring for oneself and one another is one of the best ways to keep supporting students. 

As one teacher said, “For teachers, we have to remember to find balance. I am not good at that, but every day is new and all I can do is keep trying!” 

If you’re interested in checking out more projects from teachers requesting resources for social and emotional learning in their classrooms, you can start here. 

DonorsChoose is the nonprofit funding site for public school teachers in all 50 states and Washington, DC.

Since 1976, every American president has designated February as Black History Month and endorsed a specific theme. The Black History Month 2021 theme, “Black Family: Representation, Identity and Diversity” explores the African diaspora, and the spread of Black families across the United States.

As an organization, we’re dedicated to moving the needle on education inequity, and we recognize the structural challenges faced by Black teachers and students on a daily basis. In addition to working towards that goal, we intend to acknowledge and honor that Black history is American history this month and beyond.

We’ve gathered some resources in hopes that as an organization, we’ll take strides to celebrate the contributions of Black folks and recognize their central role in American history and beyond. We invite the teachers, donors, and partners in our community who work towards education equity to do the same.

Read

• Check out this genre-spanning list of books written by Black authors compiled by educator and activist Rachel Cargle — and search for others!
• Dive into Maya Angelou, Langston Hughes, and beyond by exploring poetry that celebrates Black History Month 

Listen and Watch 

• Soul Foodie is a playlist featuring podcast episodes that explore food culture through a Black lens 
• Check out 24 Essential Works of Black Cinema Recommended by Black Directors. Last year, DonorsChoose staff affinity group Black Organization of Soulful Staff (BOSS) screened these selections: 
• Toni Morrison: The Pieces I Am
• If Beale Street Could Talk
• Creed 2
• The Last Black Man in San Francisco

Learn

• Learn more about people and events in American history that are critically important but not well known through Equal Justice Initiative’s A History of Racial Injustice Calendar
• Understand The History Behind Black History Month, which was created by African American educator and scholar Carter G. Woodson who “sought to help African Americans rediscover a history which had been intentionally buried by white mainstream culture“ 
• Access the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture for trusted information, interpretation, and scholarship on the global Black experience
• Virtually visit the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture in Washington, D.C.

Support

• Check out the BOSS Giving Page to find DonorsChoose projects curated by our Black team members
• Search Give Blck, a comprehensive database of Black-founded nonprofits, to find and champion Black-led organizations

We’re so grateful for the opportunity to honor Black history with this community of educators and advocates. Tell us below how you’re celebrating with your community this month!

DonorsChoose and the National Association for Secondary School Principals partner to help principals empower their teachers and advisers to use our nonprofit crowdfunding platform. This updated Principal Toolkit will help school leaders harness the DonorsChoose network of 4 million donors to support teachers and students during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

In this toolkit, you’ll find:

• Information on how DonorsChoose is helping teachers during COVID, including information on our newly flexible shipping options
• Case studies from principals and administrators who help teachers leverage DonorsChoose to support school-wide goals and priorities
• Four steps you can take to set your teachers and advisers up for success
• Information on signing up for free, regular notifications from DonorsChoose

Learn more about our work with the NASSP, and download the toolkit.