Mrs. Michaela teaches pre-K-2 in northern Minnesota and loves offering her students nature-based learning opportunities, despite the often inclement weather in her area.
As a new teacher, Mrs. Michaela had never created a project on DonorsChoose.org, until she was encouraged by a district director last August as part of #WelcomeWeek. She was inspired by seeing the other imaginative projects teachers have created, and the donors who support them.
“Teachers often have a hard time asking for help, but it is amazing to see what support people are willing to provide when teachers put their passions into words and go the extra mile for their students,” she told us.
Like the 9,200 other teachers who created their first DonorsChoose.org projects during #WelcomeWeek, Mrs. Michaela requested waterproof coveralls so that her students could play outside, rain or shine. Here’s a taste of her project essay: “Help me give my students Muddy Buddy coverall rain gear to enjoy outdoor play in all weather! Playing outside in all weather has great benefits for children, including the chance to build resilience, creativity, and gross motor skills.”
Three days after submitting and promoting her project, Mrs. Michaela watched as her project was fully funded. “I couldn't believe how many people were actually willing to help my preschool classes get the rain gear they need to stay dry while playing outside in wet, chilly Minnesota. It is great to be part of a supportive community of teachers and donors who care about the education of young children!”
With her newly funded rain gear already on the way to her classroom, Mrs. Michaela has begun thinking about the second and third projects she plans to create (spoiler alert, one involves hatching chicks to explore the life cycle of a chicken!).
Inspired by this story? Get started on your next DonorsChoose.org project.
