Ohio's 115,000 dedicated public school teachers are preparing 1.8 million elementary and secondary students for higher education, lifelong learning, and rewarding careers.

Elementary and middle school teachers spent an average of $521 of their own money on supplies in 2001. First-year teachers spent even more, about $700. While almost all teachers use their own money to provide these "special" opportunities for their students, salaries of public school teachers in Ohio for the 2000-2001 school year averaged $42,764 - below the national average of $43,335.

Throughout Greater Cleveland, teachers struggle to find money for special projects that go beyond what their school districts can support.

• The extra field trip to support a science project.
• School supplies (markers, posters, drawing material, etc.) that enhance new learning experiences.
• Athletic uniforms
• Math & Science supplies
• Field trips
• An extra book or pamphlet that may help students understand and become more enthusiastic about what they learn.
• Costumes for special theatrical productions.
• Instructional videos and other classroom learning aids.
• Extracurricular activities.
• Dozens of other items that are beyond the ability of most school districts to support.

It is our mission to enrich the education of our children by providing donor-contributed resources to teachers. We value teachers who expand inquisitive minds.

By providing aid to teachers, we achieve the following:

• Teachers augment their instruction with special material.
• Students "learn by doing and seeing" through exciting projects and field trips.
• Small grants for teachers are bringing about innovative approaches in the classroom that will be replicated by others.
• Teachers increase their take-home pay by having the resources for items and instructional material they often pay for themselves.

A small grant can renew a teacher's zest for teaching and give new enthusiasm for learning to a student. You cannot put a price on that kind of benefit.