Cents in Action: HTown Brings The Heat
Cents in Action: Guest blog post by Aaronthomas Green (KIPP Polaris Academy for Boys - Houston, TX)
This week, we decided to take the story back south to where PledgeCents was born, Houston! We are lucky this week because we are highlighting the great work that Aaronthomas Green (School Leader at KIPP Polaris Academy for Boys) is doing with his students and team every single day!
Aaronthomas has been able to raise over $2,000 on PledgeCents, and his school has raised over $5,300! In addition to that, Aaronthomas lead his team to finish 1st place in our #SchoolSupplied contest which earned his school $1,000 worth of school supplies! We want to highlight his experience on PledgeCents with his raw feedback to some of our questions.
1. How long have you been a teacher, and what is your favorite teaching moment from your career so far?
I have been working in education for 11 years. My favorite teaching moments came when I was able to see my first class of 7th graders receive their bachelor’s degrees and when a former student decided to attend my alma mater, Boston University.
2. How much of your own money do you think you have put toward your classroom and students in any given year, and what have you spent it on?
Each year I spend well over $2000 for my students. My primary subject being science, it is very easy to rack up a large sum of money spent on classroom supplies and materials each year to ensure students have a rich experience regardless of funding gaps in the school’s budget.
3. With so many fundraising options out there, why did you choose to work with the PledgeCents team?
I love that PledgeCents is a direct to student service. Unlike other fundraising options/platforms where you are limited from where you can purchase items, or what type of trips you can take students on, with PledgeCents, I am able to state my case and when individuals give, they are giving directly to my students and not a bunch of hidden fees. I also truly appreciate that there are individuals out there who match gift. Those little bonuses here and there really make an impact.
4. What did you personally do to market your cause? What worked? What didn’t work?
Facebook and Twitter were huge assets for my PledeCents causes. I was able to put the link to my causes on all (and I do mean all) of my friends’ pages. Because the causes resonated with them, they shared my causes and the tiny ripple of one share grew and grew. Most of my circle didn’t give a substantial amount, however with 100 people giving small amount, it really adds up. I was initially nervous about using social media but it was really effective. For my larger cause, I also sent information out local and national news outlets and they picked it up as well.
5. How was your experience with PledgeCents? What did you like? Not like?
I can’t think of one thing about PledgeCents that I do not like. I love that the funds come directly to the school and there is no middle man to work with. I also love that I get emails immediately when someone donates—this allows me to thank them personally and to have some students write individualized notes of gratitude as well.
6. What would be your advice to another teacher who is considering using PledgeCents?
For any teacher out there considering using PledgeCents, I say Go for it! There are tons of people out there who have a similar passion and desire to see all children succeed. Maybe they can’t see themselves as classroom teachers, but they definitely remember what it was like to be in a classroom and they know how hard teachers work. These individuals are able to see themselves as a part of the change you are making in students’ lives with their generosity. Everyone is not meant to teach, but that doesn’t mean they can’t help those of us who are in it for the long haul.
7. What is the best thing about being an educator, and where do you find your inspiration?
The best thing about being an educator is the kids. They are so honest and genuine and curious. I love coming to work every day because I know that even on difficult days, my students are learning and growing because of how hard I push them and I am becoming a better educator because of how hard they push me. There is no other field like education: our job is to help develop the critical thinkers and problem solvers who will eventually change this world. I am happy to be a small part of that change.
If you have any questions, email us at info@pledgecents.com.
