AdoptAClassroom.org supporters donated over $600,000 in COVID-19 Relief grants for teachers and students since March 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic isn’t over, but we want to look back on the incredible work of teachers across the country and the supporters helping them through back-to-school season.
Below we celebrate a handful of the amazing supporters and educators on the frontlines during this difficult time.
Classroom Heroes During COVID-19 Tell Us “Why I Gave”
When school doors closed and distance learning started, Alexandria worried about all the students who might be left behind. She understood how important education is and what it could mean if students were disconnected from learning.
“I gave because I had a great education growing up—incredible teachers, specialized courses, and all materials I needed to learn. Education is transformational, and it’s heartbreaking for kids to lose that because of a circumstance so far outside of anyone’s control. I’m ecstatic that AdoptAClassroom.org is able to best use my funds to reach the most vulnerable populations during this time.”
Michael was especially concerned about the lack of technology impacting students who participated in home learning. In addition to personal protective equipment, teachers have also received laptops for distance learning. Thanks Michael!
“I contributed because a lack of technology shouldn’t be a reason kids can’t participate in school. I also feel very fortunate at this time to be in a position where I can give a little back to those less fortunate during this pandemic.”
Supporters like Alexandria and Michael are the reason we raised $600,000 in COVID-19 relief. And for teachers like Maria and Jennifer below, this support made a huge difference in school, whether school take place online or in-person.
The Cost of Teaching During COVID-19
Teachers report their spending soaring in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, citing expensive technology for distance learning and personal protective equipment (PPE) to be the main expenditures. When we surveyed teachers in June, teachers told us they spent an additional $252. That was four months ago, and the spending has only continued since then.
Wearing a face mask is still one of the best ways to reduce the spread of COVID-19, but many teachers aren’t sure how many masks they will be provided. Maria, a school social worker in Colorado, told us she received only one N-95 mask for the year. While she expects more masks, she isn’t sure what she will receive. In an interview with AdoptAClassroom.org, she shared her back-to-school experience.
“This school year I’ve already used $40 in AdoptAClassroom.org funds to purchase face masks. I purchased cloth face masks and face masks with clear plastic windows. This is especially important for my students working on emotion identification—many of them are on the Autism spectrum.”
Maria, Colorado
Staying safe during COVID-19 is crucial, but so is staying connected with students who need extra learning support. For Maria, sharing a smile with a student on the Autism spectrum is an essential part of learning. Your support makes those special moments, which are also a critical part of social-emotional learning, possible.
COVID-19 Relief Helps Teachers Prepare for the Unpredictable
Jennifer’s classroom is in Ohio where the situation is just as unpredictable as the rest of the nation. When she received COVID-19 funding in June, that extra support provided a cushion of relief.
“From the bottom of my heart, thank you for your support. As adults, we know that this is just a moment in time, and the challenges presented by COVID are temporary. But for my young students, these challenges are scary, never-ending, and all-consuming. Having the proper resources to meet their needs will make these challenges easier to bear for my students and for me.”
You can watch Jennifer’s full thank-you video below.
AdoptAClassroom.org donors are funding PPE for educators like Maria and Jennifer across the country. Thank you so much to everyone who has contributed up until now. Your support is the reason so many educators have access to the tools they need to keep learning safe.
While we have reached classrooms across the country, we still need your support during these next stages of the pandemic.
If you’re able, please consider a gift. Giving monthly is a great way to keep learning safe all year round.