Over the past two decades, the DonorsChoose community has helped nearly 800,000 teachers get the classroom materials their students need most. Each of those teachers is one-of-a-kind, with classroom needs, teaching styles, and stories all their own.
Teachers from every corner of the country post requests for classroom supplies on DonorsChoose. Because of teachers’ ingenuity and dedication, generous folks step up to help provide the funding, donating in every amount from $1 to 10,000 at a time to help teachers get what they need.
We recently surveyed these donors for the top words they’d use to describe teachers. Here are the results (and spoiler: they universally love and respect our nation’s educators).
Dedicated
Teachers are fully committed to their profession and do their utmost to ensure the success and well-being of their students. They consistently put in extra time and effort to prepare lessons, provide individualized support, and continuously improve their teaching skills.
Caring
Teachers genuinely empathize with their students and prioritize their emotional and social well-being. They create a nurturing and supportive environment where students feel safe to express themselves, seek guidance, and grow both academically and personally. Many teachers even go above and beyond to ensure students’ basic needs of warmth, care, & hunger are met so that they can come to school their happiest and healthiest selves.
Creative
Teachers think outside the box and find innovative ways to engage students in learning. They bring imagination and fresh ideas to their lessons, incorporating hands-on activities, technology, and various teaching methods to make the learning experience exciting and memorable. Adding hip hop beats to learn science vocabulary, upcycling paper and fabric scraps for a fashion show, or turning a classroom into a safari, teachers’ imaginations are endless.
Compassionate
Teachers show deep concern and empathy for their students' struggles, challenges, and successes. They offer support, encouragement, and understanding, recognizing that each student is unique and may require individualized attention to thrive academically and emotionally.
Professional
Teachers maintain high standards of ethics and expertise in their craft. They continuously seek professional development opportunities, stay updated with current research and best practices, and adhere to professional codes of conduct to ensure the highest quality of education for their students.
Inspirational
Teachers have the ability to ignite a love for learning in their students. Through their passion, knowledge, and enthusiasm, they motivate and inspire young minds, helping them realize their full potential and pursue their dreams with confidence.
Under-appreciated
Despite the tremendous impact they have on shaping young minds and preparing young people for adulthood, teachers’ contributions often go unrecognized. Many teachers persevere because of their passion for education. However, our community of donors agrees: Much more needs to be done to support these amazing people.
Selfless
Teachers are willing to go the extra mile to ensure their students' success and well-being, often putting in long hours and dedicating themselves (and their own resources) to the betterment of their students. In fact, teachers spent an average of $687 of their own money in the 2022-23 school year to stock their classrooms.
Resilient
Teachers face challenges with determination and bounce back from setbacks. They adapt to changing circumstances, remain positive, and persevere in the face of obstacles. From remote learning during a pandemic to dealing with lack of funding, every school year gives teachers a new challenge to face.
Resourceful
Teachers are exceptionally skilled at finding creative solutions to challenges and adapting to various situations. They make the most of the resources available to them, whether it be their own expertise, their colleagues and teammates, materials, technology, or support from the DonorsChoose community!
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