Callie Cox

Review of the three Donors Choose Applications

Review of Applications

  • March 23, 2020 at 1:05 PM
  • Visible to public
1. Ms. Huy - Relax, Rest, and Self Regulate!
As I went to search for Ms. Huy's project, I could no longer find it. That was because her plan was fully funded!! When I saw the profile, she was needed $23, with 7 hours left to reach her goal. I am very excited for her and her classroom!! When explaining her students, she mentioned that they are diverse learning who have a wide range of learning abilities, but she did not mention specifics. I think that it would have been valuable to indicate their specific learning needs and skills, which would further back up her wish for flexible seating. She briefly described the seating options she was hoping to receive, but again, each option could have been further elaborated on. I would suggest that she include pictures of flexible seating options (if possible) to allow people who are unfamiliar with classroom materials to see what they are giving towards. I would also suggest that she provide research-based evidence that supports the need for flexible seating in classroom settings. 

2. Mrs. Granger - Ready To Get My Teach On!
I chose Mrs. Granger's profile to review because I believe that it is just as important, if not more important, to better yourself as a teacher than to provide the best materials for your classroom. You can have the best materials, but if you are not adequately educated to the best of your abilities that materials will not be as beneficial to your students and yourself. I thought that Mrs. Granger could have further explained her current classroom structure and why she feels that she needs to attend this conference. I also felt that she could have elaborated on the conference itself. What goes on there? What will you be learning? How many people can attend? - etc. She explained the bare minimum information regarding the conference and how GYTO can benefit her and her classroom. I would suggest providing links to the GYTO page, along with explaining the main details in the application. She wants to raise a large amount of money, $721.91 to be exact, and people who choose to donate should know the importance of this professional development course. 

3. Ms. Schneider - Support Autism Students Love for STEM! 
To start, I liked that she gave a detailed description of her students, mentioning their various needs and spectrum ranges. I wish she would have included a picture of all of her students (with parent approval) because I feel that people would be more willing to donate if they saw the smiling faces they were giving too! Ms. Shcneider mentioned that her students are "lagging the skills to respond to environmental situations daily appropriately," and followed up by providing how/why the modern materials were not doing justice for the students. She explained that the current materials were geared to older students, and do not interest the students in her classroom. I liked that she told why each item she was asking to be funded would be beneficial in her class! To be critical of her explanations, she could have added more details as to how each item and provided statistics to show they worked. I like that she concluded her project goal by stating that "[If you donate] You are helping them become more independent learners and boosting their self-confidence." There is not much I would suggest that needs to be changed about her application. 

From reading each of these teachers' applications, I have further learned the importance of being specific! Many people, who are able to give, will give without a detailed explanation. However, for most people, reading about the specifics will greater the chances of receiving a donation. I also learned that this website is a great tool to have for future classrooms! Not only can you request funding for your specific needs, but you can be inspired by other teachers who see different needs in their classrooms. I will 100% be using this website when I transition into my future classroom!