What Mr. Blakely would get for his classroom with a grant

Paul Blakely, who teaches sixth grade science and social studies at Alta Loma Elementary School in Peoria Unified School District, said he was looking for materials for his classroom that tie in with the units he teaches on ancient civilizations as well as life and physical science.

Video by Mary Irish/ AZEdNews: What Mr. Blakely would get for his classroom with a grant

When asked what a $200 classroom grant would allow him to do, Blakely said “It would be like a shopping spree for me here. I’d be like a kid in a candy store.”

Blakely said he’d use a grant to get more reading materials students could use in his social studies class.

“I’d look for books that can expand or even tier the levels of education for the students,” said Blakely, who has taught for 25 years.

Some teachers have used crowdfunding to obtain technology for their classrooms, add flexible or adaptive student furniture, and provide learning tools that engage students and help them achieve.

Resources like Treasures4Teachers and Maricopa County Education Service Agency’s STEM Resource Center help many educators.

Many teachers have found that applying for grants  is another way to help meet their students’ needs.

AZEdNews is celebrating its fifth anniversary by giving back to teachers with $200 classroom grants to enhance classroom learning that will be given out in September, December, February and April of this year.

Click here to apply for the AZEdNews classroom grant.