Cents in Action: Teacher Spotlight
Welcome to our Cents in Action blog post. The first Wednesday of every month, we highlight rockstar educators who have done an incredible job maximizing opportunities for students. This teacher won 20 Chromebook laptop computers! We interviewed Ms. Chirhart and asked her about raising funds for classroom needs. Being the rockstar she is, some provided some great classroom tips.
Ms. Chirhart
Grade(s): K-5
Total number of students: 700
Years teaching: 16 years
Q: What do you teach?
A: “I pride myself in introducing all my students to computer programming (even my kindergartners) and teaching them about digital citizenship.”
Q: Most memorable teaching moment?
A: "It occurred with one particular student who had a difficult home life. She never seemed to laugh or smile. She was always serious. I made it my mission to teach that child that life could be fun. The last day of school I found a heart-shaped note on my desk from her. The message was simple, “Thank you for teaching me to smile.”
Q: How much of your own money have you spent?
A: "On average, I put about $300 of my own money into my classroom each year. As an iPad Lab teacher, I spend most of my own money on apps for my classroom."
Q: $300!? Wow...With all the fundraising platforms out there, WHY did you choose PledgeCents?
A: "It’s easy to use! Plus I receive all the money I raise even if the entire grant is not funded."
Q: What would be your advice to another teacher who is considering using PledgeCents?
A: “I tell them it is the easiest grant they will ever write! The platform is very user-friendly. Once you share the grant with your parents it is very likely you receive at least some of the funds you ask for; so why not try?”
Q: What did you do to reach your fundraising goal?
A: “When I market a cause, I put the cause on my personal Facebook and Twitter pages. I also put it on the school’s Facebook and Twitter pages.”
Q: How was your experience with PledgeCents?
A: "My experience with PledgeCents was fantastic! I love it! It is very easy to use. I love how I can raise funds for ANYTHING I need in my classroom. The only disadvantage is that there are not many opportunities to have funds matched."
Q: What is the best thing about being an educator, and where do you find your inspiration?
A: "While I understand that teaching a child to read is important, I also understand that attitudes and feelings of self-worth are what will get that child through life successfully.
Teaching children that mistakes are not bad but are learning experiences and that bad choices equal consequences are also important life lessons. These lessons are what build strong relationships between a student and teacher. These relationships are my inspiration."
