As a teacher, it can be frustrating when school districts place restrictions on crowdfunding for classroom supplies. One teacher shared her experience of getting in trouble for posting her Amazon wish list on Facebook, as her district required all crowdfunding to be processed as fundraising through official channels. This process can be time-intensive and tedious, leaving teachers feeling helpless in getting the supplies they need for their students.
In response to this dilemma, We Are Teachers offered some advice to teachers who still want to create Amazon wish lists for their classroom needs. While they suggested following the district’s guidelines, they also encouraged teachers to find creative ways to share their wish lists with friends and family without getting caught. This includes using initials or a fake name, sharing the list via personal email, and even reaching out to celebrities for support. The underlying message was to find a way to acquire the supplies needed, even if it means bending the rules a little.
Another teacher wrote in with a more serious issue regarding a student with a disturbing habit specified in his IEP. The teacher was uncomfortable with the intervention plan outlined in the IEP, which required them to address the student’s behavior of masturbating in class. We Are Teachers advised the teacher to seek support from their union rep and Title IX coordinator, as well as to express concerns about potential sexual harassment. The importance of protecting both the students’ and teachers’ rights in such situations was emphasized.
Lastly, a teacher raised a concern about boundaries between teachers and students, specifically regarding a co-teacher braiding a student’s hair. While the act may have been innocent, the teacher felt uneasy about the potential implications. We Are Teachers recommended addressing the issue with the co-teacher in a respectful and understanding manner, expressing concern for how the action may be perceived by others. Clear communication and setting boundaries were key in navigating this sensitive situation.
Overall, the advice provided by We Are Teachers highlighted the importance of finding creative solutions to classroom supply needs, protecting students’ and teachers’ rights, and maintaining professional boundaries in teacher-student relationships. Teachers were encouraged to advocate for themselves and seek support when faced with challenging situations in the classroom.
