Classroom ready: What Ms. Beard would do with a grant

Lianne Beard, who has taught geometry for 20 years and will be teaching College Algebra this year, said she was buying some algebra posters for her classroom.

“I’d probably buy some technology for my classroom,” Beard said. “More graphing calculators for my students to use.”

Video by Mary Irish/ AZEdNews: What Ms. Beard would do with a class grant

A week before school starts, teachers, instructional coaches and assistant principals were buying classroom supplies, learning tools, storage, bulletin board and student reward items at Teaching & Learning Stuff in Glendale.

While the 20% by 2020 plan has increased salaries for many Arizona teachers, most teachers still spend more than $500 a year out of their own pocket for classroom supplies, learning materials and snacks for their students.

Some teachers have used crowdfunding to obtain technology for their class, 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 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.