Teachers Fill Classrooms By 'Crowdfunding'

The Daily Meal Staff|

NORTH TEXAS (CBSDFW.COM) - Some public school teachers have resorted to an unconventional method of gaining funds to stock their classrooms with supplies. From Dallas to Fort Worth schools, teachers at all grade levels are crowdfunding.

"Our teachers know that the students don't really have a means for it, so they do provide for our kids," said Brian Deveaux, Principal of Roosevelt High School and Academy of Health Science.

Crowdfunding is a way of raising finance by asking a large number of people each for a small amount of money, usually online.

"I was completely overwhelmed by the support I received," said 11th grade physics teacher Sara Beth Ribot. In addition to lining up her lesson plans, Ribot set up a crowdfunding webpage on gofundme.com. In a matter of days, her friends, family, even strangers donated close to $600.

Paying out of pocket for classroom supplies is nothing new for teachers; crowdfunding is simply a new means to an end.

"We're doing a lab tomorrow and I had to by Wiffle balls, tennis balls and golf balls," said Ribot, who is willing to go the extra mile to help all 120 of her students succeed.

Crowdfunding is especially useful at public highs schools such as Roosevelt High School, where according to Principal Deveaux, 98 percent of students are economically disadvantaged.

For Ribot, crowdfunding is just another way to close the opportunity gap between students.

"That just sets the tone for the classroom all year, that I'm in this with you, I'm going to help you, and if I have to create a gofundme then I'm going to do it," said Ribot.

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