Money, Money, Money

And now, a little ABBA remix...
 I grade all night, I work all day, to pay the bills I have to pay
Ain't it sad
Not enough left for supplies; I don't know where I should apply
That's too bad
In my dreams I have a plan

Of not using inheritance from Gran

I'd win the grant applying brawl; My students, they would have it all... 

If you have an idea you'd like to try in the classroom, but the purchase of supplies is preventing you from diving in wholeheartedly, I'd encourage you to check out these two funding possibilities. It is never to early to be thinking ahead to next year!

Public school teachers can post details about their project requests on the DonorsChoose website. DonorsChoose, an online charity, makes the post visible to the world, and anyone from anywhere can donate to the posted projects. The organization maintains accountability to its donors by acting as the middle man. The teacher supplies DonorsChoose with a list of specific items; DonorsChoose then handles the funding, purchases the supplies, and ships the items directly to the teacher's school. Donors receive photos of the project/materials in action and a cost report. It is a win-win as they pursue what they refer to as putting the public back in public schools.

Newer Teachers: This particular grant "especially encourages" teachers with less than 7 years of experience!

The NEA Foundation offers two levels of Student Achievement grants: $2,000 and $5,000. Application deadlines hit three times a year: February 1, June 1, and October 15, and all applicants receive a response roughly two months later, so keep an eye on the calendar if you plan to apply for this one. The Foundation requires that the proposed use of the grant "engage students in critical thinking and problem solving that deepen their knowledge of standards-based subject matter...and improve students' habits of inquiry, self-directed learning, and critical reflection." While applications from every teacher are considered, preference will be given to members of the National Education Association.