For my Donors Choose critique, I chose applications that were requesting materials dealing with a science curriculum. I also chose “never before funded” teachers since I wanted to see what a first time application looks like. As a future science teacher, I thought it would be interesting to see what the needs of current science classrooms are and how they are applied to their curriculum. In addition, it was beneficial to view the application from the view of a “reader” or potential “donor” to help me understand what stands out in an application when I decide the need for filling one out.
1) Mr. Gonzalez is a high school teacher in Long Island City located in a high poverty area. His application caught my eye because his title is “Basic Projector + Surface Pro = D.I.Y. Interactive SMART-board”. I was intrigued because through my own SMARTboard experience, I disliked them and I was curious as to what his project entailed. Mr. Gonzalez did a great job of describing his students in the most sincere way possible even apologizing for not including pictures of them because it is against school policy. Although this was not a request for a specific Science project, his project was aimed at helping not only his classroom, but for sharing with other classrooms. Unlike other applications I looked over, this appeared to be a basic need and I admired the teacher for finding an innovative way to bring the functionality of a SMARTBOARD without the cost. My only critique is to maybe give more specific detail about how getting the materials would enhance a specific project. Despite the lack of detail about the project, I would donate to his application in a heartbeat.
2) Mr. Wright is a middle school teacher at another NY school called the Eagle Academy of Young Men located in Harlem. This is another application that appears to be for a basic need which is Chromebooks for their classroom to enhance their projects and allow for them to use visual aids in their learning. Mr. Wright states his case rather clearly when he talks about the students and he emphasizes the fact that many of them live nearby while others commute far distances. He mentions that those that travel far typically need to complete their assignment at school. My critique of the application is to have a more catchy title to draw donors in to read his application. In addition, I might highlight at least one specific assignment with detail. Adding student quotes about their exposure to technology may also lend a voice to the application and show that the students are passionate about wanting to use technology in the classroom.
3) Mrs. Ferrier is a high school teacher from Gore, Oklahoma. I really wanted to choose an application that was in our state to get an idea of local needs. Mrs. Ferrier’s application caught my eye because of her catchy title, “Let the Robots teach Science”. Everyone loves a project with robots. I really enjoyed how she included that there is an emphasis on students teaching students in her classroom. Her application had specific detail on what the materials would be utilized for. She already has a project in place and the technology will greatly enhance the learning of the students involved in the project. Her picture was also very nice with her posing with the robots.
5 tips for a winning Donors Choose Application:
1) Catchy Title: This is what grabs the reader. Often times, the potential donor has already narrowed down the applications by location or subject, so the title needs to attract them to your application. It should entice them to click to read more.
2) The first paragraph is what most donors will read. Most may not reach to the end. Make your plea early and be to the point what it is for.
3) Be specific: If your request is very general and similar to others, it may be overlooked. Donors sometimes want to feel like they can relate to the project. Be specific what it will be used for and how it can enhance the student learning. Even basic needs that can be used for a variety of reasons can be articulated with a specific project.
4) Proofread- If you don’t take the time to make sure the application is worded well and grammar has been used properly, donors may not take the time to fund the project.
5) Pictures: If school policy allows, provide pictures and quotes from students. Giving a voice to the application makes it more personal and donors are more likely to read and internalize student quotes.
1) Mr. Gonzalez is a high school teacher in Long Island City located in a high poverty area. His application caught my eye because his title is “Basic Projector + Surface Pro = D.I.Y. Interactive SMART-board”. I was intrigued because through my own SMARTboard experience, I disliked them and I was curious as to what his project entailed. Mr. Gonzalez did a great job of describing his students in the most sincere way possible even apologizing for not including pictures of them because it is against school policy. Although this was not a request for a specific Science project, his project was aimed at helping not only his classroom, but for sharing with other classrooms. Unlike other applications I looked over, this appeared to be a basic need and I admired the teacher for finding an innovative way to bring the functionality of a SMARTBOARD without the cost. My only critique is to maybe give more specific detail about how getting the materials would enhance a specific project. Despite the lack of detail about the project, I would donate to his application in a heartbeat.
2) Mr. Wright is a middle school teacher at another NY school called the Eagle Academy of Young Men located in Harlem. This is another application that appears to be for a basic need which is Chromebooks for their classroom to enhance their projects and allow for them to use visual aids in their learning. Mr. Wright states his case rather clearly when he talks about the students and he emphasizes the fact that many of them live nearby while others commute far distances. He mentions that those that travel far typically need to complete their assignment at school. My critique of the application is to have a more catchy title to draw donors in to read his application. In addition, I might highlight at least one specific assignment with detail. Adding student quotes about their exposure to technology may also lend a voice to the application and show that the students are passionate about wanting to use technology in the classroom.
3) Mrs. Ferrier is a high school teacher from Gore, Oklahoma. I really wanted to choose an application that was in our state to get an idea of local needs. Mrs. Ferrier’s application caught my eye because of her catchy title, “Let the Robots teach Science”. Everyone loves a project with robots. I really enjoyed how she included that there is an emphasis on students teaching students in her classroom. Her application had specific detail on what the materials would be utilized for. She already has a project in place and the technology will greatly enhance the learning of the students involved in the project. Her picture was also very nice with her posing with the robots.
5 tips for a winning Donors Choose Application:
1) Catchy Title: This is what grabs the reader. Often times, the potential donor has already narrowed down the applications by location or subject, so the title needs to attract them to your application. It should entice them to click to read more.
2) The first paragraph is what most donors will read. Most may not reach to the end. Make your plea early and be to the point what it is for.
3) Be specific: If your request is very general and similar to others, it may be overlooked. Donors sometimes want to feel like they can relate to the project. Be specific what it will be used for and how it can enhance the student learning. Even basic needs that can be used for a variety of reasons can be articulated with a specific project.
4) Proofread- If you don’t take the time to make sure the application is worded well and grammar has been used properly, donors may not take the time to fund the project.
5) Pictures: If school policy allows, provide pictures and quotes from students. Giving a voice to the application makes it more personal and donors are more likely to read and internalize student quotes.