In what Superintendent of Public Instruction Kathy Hoffman and the Arizona Department of Education (ADE) call the “largest COVID Relief Funding Program of its kind to directly help Arizona Public School Classrooms,” the department has allocated $14 million for teachers across the state to apply for up to $1,000 through Donors Choose, the organization that, since 2000, specializes in assisting instructors procure supplies for the classroom.
Commenting in an ADE Press Release, Superintendent Hoffman relayed:
“Arizona educators have gone above and beyond for their students during the most challenging years our public schools have ever faced. While this is not a substitute for much-needed wage increases, I am honored to support our teachers with direct classroom funding. I have no doubt teachers across our state will immediately put these resources to good use in supporting the needs of Arizona’s students. By investing in our teaching workforce, we say thank you to our state’s teachers and recognize their expertise in their classrooms.”
She also posted on social media:
Exciting news! A few minutes ago on @azfamily, I announced that @azedschools is awarding $14 million in $1,000 grants to fund Arizona educators' @DonorsChoose projects that can help them get classroom supplies to support their students. Learn more: https://t.co/fWL7HEgc33. pic.twitter.com/Ie2ahjwwzR
— Kathy Hoffman (@Supt_Hoffman) March 8, 2022
In the same press release, Charles Best, the founder of Donors Choose, commented:
“Our partnership with the Arizona Department of Education will help teachers who create exceptional projects for their classrooms,” Charles Best, founder of DonorsChoose. “This milestone collaboration is a testament to Arizona’s commitment to empowering its teachers and enriching its students’ education.”
According to the press release:
“All Arizona public school educators who teach students in Pre-K through 12th grade are eligible for this program. Educators can request classroom resources, including but limited to supplies, technology, and instructional materials.”
“ADE will begin funding eligible requests on a first-come, first-served basis beginning today, March 8, 2022, and for as long as funding is available. Educators can learn how to create an eligible DonorsChoose project by visiting www.azed.gov/teachergrants<http://www.azed.gov/teachergrants>.”
Hernandez reacts to the ADE Announcement.
Consuelo Hernandez, the Governing Board President of Sunnyside Unified District and a candidate for a State House seat in the new Legislative District 21, wrote:
“I’m grateful for the funding ADE is sending directly to educators. It is unconscionable that because our state does not value education our educators have always carried the burden of supplying their classrooms.”
Ms. Hernandez is right. Teachers have carried the burden of paying for some or all of their classroom supplies far too long.
This partnership between the Arizona Department of Education and Donors Choose will not permanently solve that issue but it is a welcome development that will help children and the instructors that tirelessly work to provide a positive classroom atmosphere conducive to learning.
Thank you Superintendent Hoffman and Mr. Best.
UPDATE: Today (March 10, 2022,) Superintendent Hoffman posted the progress in the ADE/Donors Choose Partnership.
Since our Tuesday announcement, @azedschools and @DonorsChoose have funded over 1,300 projects and allocated over $1.4 million to educators.
This demand highlights the incredible need for sustainable state funding for student resources. pic.twitter.com/Tr2CfwbKUP
— Kathy Hoffman (@Supt_Hoffman) March 10, 2022
Imagine what will happen when the teachers get back from Spring Break on Monday.
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