It’s fundraising time again! You’ve got the information packets, you’ve planned the big event to get the kids excited, and you are ready to go! Now, it’s time to talk to the teachers.
Why Teacher Involvement Matters
Teachers are the ground troops–they have direct insight into what their students need. Involving teachers in the fundraising process ensures that the funds raised go towards truly supporting the students. Teachers’ ideas on what new materials, technology, or activities the students need are important. Get teacher feedback on what students need, whether it is school supplies, educational materials, books, improved technology, athletic and band equipment, or field trips. Funding a field trip or other out-of-the-school experience will give students memories that will last a lifetime.
The National Education Association reports that 90% of public school teachers report spending their own money on classroom supplies at $500-$750 annually. This estimation is probably lower than reality. Fundraisers can help with this financial burden and ensure that schools have the resources they need to provide quality education. Teachers will appreciate that.
Another benefit of involving teachers from the planning stages onward is that it fosters a sense of collaboration and community. It gives participants a sense of teamwork and shared goals. Make sure that you communicate your appreciation of teachers’ time and effort to continue this goodwill. Teachers can also help you reach into the community.
How to Encourage Teacher Participation
Teachers can come up with ideas on how to really get students and parents involved with the fundraiser. If teachers are enthusiastic, that will pass on to the students and inspire them to participate, too. Teachers spend almost as much time with students as caregivers, they know what will motivate them.
Some strategies to encourage teacher participation are:
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Communicate and Involve:
- Have a short meeting with teachers to explain the fundraiser’s goals, the program details, and how the funds will benefit the school and them in particular. Provide this information ahead of time in their mailbox so they can have questions ready.
- If the fundraiser is for a particular item, say a jungle gym for the kindergarten class, be sure to discuss how important it is for the school and how it will benefit everyone in some way.
- Come bearing gifts. Provide samples if the fundraising items are edible. Bring treats and beverages to the meeting to show your appreciation for the teachers’ time.
- Make sure your planning committee for the fundraiser has a teacher representative.
- Encourage teachers to collaborate on ideas. Make sure they know you think their input is valuable.
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Provide Incentives:
- Kids love prizes, and so do teachers! Offer thoughtful, useful incentives such as gift cards and small prizes for those teachers whose classrooms have high participation rates or excellent sales. Reward their tireless efforts!
- Set aside some of the fundraising profits to provide classroom supplies and resources that will directly benefit the teachers.
- Coordinate with the administration to offer customized professional development opportunities related to the fundraiser, allowing teachers to choose workshops or learning experiences that interest them.
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Give Recognition:
- Publicly recognize teachers for their work and contributions. A certificate, an announcement, or a special parking spot are all little ways to show appreciation.
- Show your appreciation in a big way, as well. Host an event to celebrate teachers’ contributions. Recognize teachers by grade level and individually.
- Get student feedback for recognition. Have them nominate who was the most supportive, etc.
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Make Participation Manageable:
- Teachers do not need to add any more to their plate. Keep their tasks simple, such as giving the students a daily reminder about the fundraiser.
- Let teachers choose what they want to do in the fundraiser. They can also contribute by selling items, volunteering time, or promoting the fundraiser. Encourage teachers to be realistic about their commitment.
- Create a toolkit with templates for parent letters, event ideas, and checklists to reduce preparation time for teachers. Make helping easy.
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Align with Educational Goals
- Use teachers’ expertise by encouraging fundraising ideas that tie into curriculum topics, such as Read-A-Thons. This creates dual-purpose events that are both educational and profitable. It’s a win-win!
- Focus on “fun raising” rather than solely on the amount raised, creating a positive and motivating atmosphere. Your long-term goal is to improve students’ education, not just raise money.
Make Your School Fundraiser a Success with These Smart Strategies!
Use these strategies to help motivate teachers to participate in your school fundraiser! Engage teachers in the fundraising process from the beginning. Communicate with teachers and involve them every step of the way. Provide meaningful incentives and recognition to teachers who participate. And make participation as easy as possible.
At ReadaFun, we specialize in helping schools host successful and stress-free Read-A-Thons. Our easy-to-use platform simplifies every step, from tracking reading progress to collecting secure online donations, so you can focus on motivating students and connecting with families.
With ReadaFun, PTO and PTA leaders can confidently launch a profitable fundraiser that promotes literacy, excites students, and brings the whole community together. Interested in hosting a Read-A-Thon this year? We’re happy to walk you through the process — reach out to our team today!
