Teachers Turn to Donors Choose for Other Classroom Necessities

As teachers in the Santa Clara Unified School District (SCUSD) prepare for the new school year starting August 13, they're also focused on ensuring their classrooms are equipped with everything needed to foster a positive learning environment.

This year, many SCUSD teachers are turning to DonorsChoose, a nonprofit fundraising platform that supports educators in acquiring extra educational tools beyond what schools provide.

“DonorsChoose is an excellent resource for connecting donors with teachers' requests for additional classroom supplies,” said Jennifer Dericco, SCUSD’s public information officer. “It allows teachers and students to benefit from extra resources like individual classroom libraries, organizational supplies, and more.”

Rachel Hager, a science teacher at Cabrillo Middle School with 21 years of experience, finds DonorsChoose invaluable for bridging resource gaps.

“DonorsChoose donations are incredibly valuable because they help me obtain materials that I wouldn't otherwise have,” Hager said. “I've used it to fund what I consider my ‘dream’ science lessons and projects. For instance, the Pocketlab Thermo sensors I requested have enabled students to create digital graphs during their experiments, enhancing their STEM learning experience.”

The platform also benefits new teachers who may not yet have accumulated the additional classroom resources that more experienced educators have.

Sofia Casillas, who will be teaching a fourth-grade dual language immersion class at Scott Lane Elementary School, is using DonorsChoose to build a supportive learning environment. Her project includes items like books for her classroom library, a rug, and chair bands for students to fidget with.

“As a first-year teacher, I want to create a space that fosters a love for literature and offers flexible seating options,” Casillas explained. “At a Title 1 school like Scott Lane, it’s crucial to provide a nurturing and well-equipped classroom environment because it can be a safe space for students from low-income households.”

While Casillas' project has been fully funded, Hager and other SCUSD teachers are still seeking support. To help local educators, visit DonorsChoose.org and search for “Santa Clara, CA” to find and support their projects.