When we wanted to figure out what characteristics best describe the teachers who use our DonorsChoose network — the most teacher-trusted nonprofit site for classroom funding — we went straight to the source. We asked our educator community one simple question: What are three words you would use to describe yourself as a DonorsChoose teacher? The response was overwhelming (from 4,574 educators no less!), and we're thrilled to share the findings. Brace yourself for a word cloud explosion of passion, dedication, and educator excellence in the results below! (Note: The size of each word is proportional to the number of times it was suggested.) Take a look.
What do you think? Agree? Disagree? Have a great word to add?
In case “the cloud” didn’t make it clear, here are our teacher’s top 10 responses:
- Creative: It’s no wonder this one came in as a top ten response. Teachers have to be creative every day — in every way. Like Mrs. Calderon who approached the tricky subject of computer coder for her early learners in this creatively crafty way.
- Dedicated: Look up this word in the dictionary, and you should find a picture of all our teachers next to it (we’ll be talking to Merriam-Webster’s about this later today, don’t worry). Just like Mr. Sandovol and his determination to create a safe space for all his kids.
- Passionate: Igniting young minds with the embers of their own educational enthusiasm, teachers are always infusing lessons with passion year-round, proving knowledge is anything but dry tinder. Just like Mrs. Seervai and her Wood Burning arts project.
- Caring: Weaving a safety net of support, teachers mend academic stumbles with patience and encouragement, ensuring every student feels like they belong to the learning tapestry. Just like Mx. Millan's Care Closet of supplies that she keeps stocked for her classroom.
- Grateful: A moment of celebration for any size victory — big or small — ensures students learn progress over perfection. Teachers know just how important that is. Just like Mrs. Hahn and her Popcorn Parties.
- Innovative: Like lesson-plan scientists, teachers are constantly concocting engaging experiences and unexpected learning activities to transform textbooks into thrilling treasure hunts. Like Mrs. Edwards and her Elementary Nature Detectives project
- Excited: Even when things can feel challenging as a teacher, they know bringing as much gusto and energy into the classroom as possible is what their students need to stay excited and with it. Like Mrs. Deaton, who generates excitement around even the most traditional subjects with fun themes and costumes.
- Motivated: Unfazed by hurdles, teachers channel the relentless drive of Olympic athletes, pushing students to their limits and reveling in their triumphs. Just like Ms. Ostrom's project to support her young athletic squad here.
- Resourceful: MacGyvering solutions with a smile, teachers turn everyday objects into learning tools. A cardboard box becomes a spaceship, a recycled soda bottle becomes a tornado machine — showing their students that limitations are mere suggestions. Like Mrs. Alvarez and her "Supercharged for Science" project.
- Determined: Every single school day, teachers push themselves to learn too — navigating unexpected challenges and pushing themselves to grow with unwavering resolve so all students can reach their educational end-goals. Like Mr. Lemon's project to provide development opportunities for his fellow teachers.
The rest of the top 100 or so, in alphabetical order are (drum roll, please):
Adaptable. Adventurous. Advocate. Amazed. Ambitious. Appreciative. Awesome. Blessed. Busy. Collaborative. Committed. Compassionate. Concerned. Curious. Cutting-edge. Devoted. Different. Driven. Eager. Effecting. Empathetic. Empowered. Encouraging. Energetic. Energized. Engaged. Engaging. Enthusiastic. Exciting. Experienced. Flexible. Focused. Fortunate. Forward-thinking. Friendly. Frustrated. Fun. Funny. Generous. Giving. Growing. Happy. Hard-working. Helpful. Honest. Hopeful. Humble. Humbled. Imaginative. Inspired. Inspiring. Inventive. Invested. Invigorated. Involved. Kind. Leader. Learner. Learning. Loved. Loving. Loyal. Lucky. New. Nurturing. Open. Optimistic. Organized. Overwhelmed. Patient. Persistent. Positive. Prepared. Proactive. Professional. Reflective. Resilient. Respectful. Risk-taker. Student-centered. Successful. Supported. Supportive. Technological. Tenacious. Thankful. Thoughtful. Trustworthy. Understanding. Working.
