We know teachers are always seeking ways to improve learning for their students. We wondered what would top their wish lists if money weren’t an obstacle. We decided to go right to teachers and ask them, so we posted a question on Education Week’s Twitter page.
Teachers, if money were no object, what would you buy for your classroom and why?
— EdWeek Teacher (@EdWeekTeacher) December 17, 2019
Their answers were a truly mixed bag.
Some teachers said they would use an opportunity like this to acquire different instructional materials their classroom needs.
I would buy a classroom set of high-quality curriculum (with all green ratings by @EdReports) because my only curricular materials now are a depleted set of 20-year-old textbooks that are literally falling apart.
— Bradley Bethel (@BradleyBethel) December 17, 2019
Bilingual books for every ELD student to encourage reading, build vocabulary, and build creative thinking skills. I’d also create a reading corner with couches and bean bags.
— Amy Ellis (@2amyellis) December 17, 2019
ALL THE BOOKS! I already spend a mini fortune on this. Some help would be appreciated! Lol
— Mrs Beard (@teach2hike) December 17, 2019
— Knita Luthria Row (@Knitarow) December 17, 2019
Resources needed for PBL so I’m not scrambling to find items or modifying to use items I do have.
— Carin Shaffer (@shaffer_carin) December 17, 2019
New instruments and replacement cases for our fifth grade strings citywide, more band instruments and orff instruments for our elentary schools!
— Danielle Roby (@DanFlanRoby) December 17, 2019
Other teachers wished for classroom makeovers, including some great classroom tools.
I’d have those extreme home makeover people come in, blow out the wall to expand my tiny room, and redecorate with cheerful colors and furniture that coordinates and isn’t just a random mix of 40 yr old hand me down bookshelves and desks.
— Mama Bear (@Mama_bear2732) December 17, 2019
These collaboration desks for my math classrooms. pic.twitter.com/XZeoySOpl0
— Mrs Strole (@MrsStrole) December 17, 2019
Standing desks, a couch, coffee table and iPads for digital content creation.
— Mrs. Maura Tucker (@MrsTuckerWHS) December 17, 2019
Flexible seating for the classroom. Tables and chairs that move easily, bean bag chairs, standing desks, and cushions.
— Ms. Jensen (@WriteNowTeacher) December 17, 2019
I’d buy small tables to encourage collaboration and replace desks, rolling carts with a large drawer for each child to place their books and “desk materials”. New carpet in earth tones-ours is obnoxiously bright. Light covers to take away fluorescent light. Alternative seating
— Jennifer Sweigert (@MissSweigert) December 17, 2019
standing desks and a kidney table for centers!!!
— Megan Roby (@teacher_roby) December 17, 2019
Flexible seating to support all students with their own learning journey.
— MaryJoMoussa (@jo_moussa) December 20, 2019
Some teachers wanted something really basic: a real classroom.
A classroom. Because I don’t have one.
— Amy (@mimi_intheworld) December 17, 2019
Fix the ‘classroom’ so it would be fit to be called a classroom. Or build one.
— Cynthia C. James (@cindyjbj) December 18, 2019
I would buy an actual classroom with linoleum flooring, sinks with hot water, and cupboards. I am teaching in a carpeted half-portable that may be older than I am.
— LesYeuxHiboux (@TryScience) December 18, 2019
Technology topped the list for some teachers.
Full class set of Chromebooks (x30) (and extra Art Supplies...b/c I’m an art teacher 👨🏫)
— Mr. Maillet 🇨🇦 (@Avro_ArrowRL201) December 17, 2019
iPads for all my students in order to incorporate and use technology with projects! Anyone want to give? 😁😉
— Ms. Grasso (@4uiteach) December 17, 2019
Quality headphones 🎧 for each kid! And a full time assistant.
— Archie Miller’s Gum (@rupp13) December 18, 2019
Laptops and a smart projector. We have a brand new building, but my classroom does not have any kind of technology nor are there any funds left for me to get a smart board.
— Claire (@clairetoshiko) December 17, 2019
I am an AIG Specialist, we have no laptops assigned to my class. Got four through Donors Choose! Need 10 more! I would buy laptops!
— Cindy Dean (@rev1mom) December 17, 2019
A classroom set of the most up to date laptops that I don’t have to share or give up for testing an entire qtr. going to be selfish for my students.
— Janine Koslow (@jpkoslow) December 17, 2019
I would buy 4 3D printers so that my Computer Science and Engineering students can bring their design to life.
— Terrell Williams (@TWilliamsTeach) December 18, 2019
A smart board with remotes, because it creates instant engagement and actionable formative assessment data.
— Mr. Brown (@downTownMrB) December 22, 2019
This teacher’s technology wish was a little different from the rest.
A full-spectrum lighting system for the entire space. Because Rochester NY.
— Teresa Keyes, Librarian (@teresa_keyes) December 17, 2019
While some teachers wanted physical resources, others were just looking for extra hands.
No object. It would be the salary for a classroom aide.
— Peggie Schommer (@peggieschommer) December 17, 2019
The services of a full-time teacher’s aide.
— 💧haiejude (@haiejude) December 17, 2019
A pa for me to do admin so I can focus on teaching
— Leanne Wilson (@Leanne581) December 17, 2019
Salaries for more adult paras so we can reduce the ratio of adults to children in my classroom.
— David Blaylock (@Blaylock722) December 17, 2019
I would clone myself a couple times
— Jenny Schurk (@schurkit) December 17, 2019
I would pay two additional people to help work with students in small groups. And pay one of them to organize.
— Jamie (@Jamieinatx) December 17, 2019
More teachers!
— Rachel Brown (@Brown4Bio) December 17, 2019
Another teacher so I could have the optimal amount of students for learning. Hint: It’s not 36.
— Ｌｉｎｄａ Ｆａｉｒｃｈｉｌｄ (@DrFairkid) December 18, 2019