VTech®, the leader in innovative educational products, put some FUN in funding. On October 7, VTech surprised 100 Pre-K teachers who work in high-needs schools across the country, with $250 each on AdoptAClassroom.org. Teachers can use the funds to purchase the learning tools and materials they need to keep their students engaged and thriving, wherever learning is taking place.
Norma A., in Hemet, CA is one of the Pre-K teachers who received VTech’s surprise funding. She told AdoptAClassroom.org she has already spent $300 of her own money on distance learning tools, and she’s willing to spend even more to ensure her students have the supplies they deserve to succeed.
Like Norma A., teachers across the country continue to go above and beyond for their students. According to our recent 2020 Teacher Spending Survey of nearly 4,000 teachers nationwide, teachers spent an average of $250 of their own money on distance learning materials this past spring. This is on top of the average $745 that many teachers spend each and every year on classroom supplies.
The majority of teachers surveyed told us they purchased home printing items (printers, ink, paper), new technology, and software to create work packets for their students and connect with them remotely. Extra gasoline and postage is an added expense for the 70% of teachers who deliver classroom assignments and supplies to their underserved students’ homes.
To continue with distance learning this school year, teachers are still in need of technology, software, and even basic classroom supplies. Many families simply cannot afford to purchase the things their children need at home to stay connected with their teachers, and participate in their learning. Without the proper tools, many students will continue to fall behind.
“Thank you VTech for adopting my classroom so we can get all the supplies and materials that we need. This will make a big difference, especially with parents losing employment; purchasing materials for their children will be one less thing they need to worry about.”
Tamrah H., Pre-K teacher in Chicago, IL
Thanks to VTech, hundreds of high-needs Pre-K students like Tamrah H’s will have the supplies they need to learn and succeed this school year, whether they are learning in the classroom or from home.
VTech is committed to helping our nation’s teachers during this challenging time for educators, students, and their families. When the pandemic shut down our country, the company stepped up to match, dollar-for-dollar, donations made to the AdoptAClassroom.org COVID-19 Disaster Relief Fund, to help teachers and students succeed with distance learning.