Maine news, sports, weather | Kennebec Journal, Augusta, Maine

Campaign would provide funds for educators

Maine school teachers are constantly finding new and exciting ways to engage children in the classroom, and often with limited funds. To show appreciation for their dedication, U.S. Cellular is teaming with DonorsChoose.org to donate $1 million toward classroom projects through the “Calling All Teachers” campaign.

Calling All Teachers provides funding for creative and meaningful classroom projects requested by public school teachers. Since May, more than 1,400 teachers across the country, including dozens here in Maine, have signed up as U.S. Cellular Teachers on DonorsChoose.org, a philanthropic website that helps public school teachers find money for their classrooms.

The Calling All Teachers campaign can provide classrooms with almost any kind of material an educator requests. Last year, the campaign provided everything from basic materials like pencils and note cards to larger classroom accessories like projectors, whiteboards and bookshelves.

As with most states, Maine faces educational budget cuts, making this campaign a timely opportunity for local educators. It’s unfortunate that schools have to face difficult decisions about funding even the most basic of programs. I hope the campaign gives our teachers a way to still provide innovative projects for their students.

I strongly encourage all Maine public school teachers to register as U.S. Cellular Teachers on the DonorsChoose.org and post your classroom needs between now and Sept. 15.

 

Sean Griffith

Winslow

The writer is the U.S. Cellular area sales manager for northern Maine.