Teachers search internet for supplies, grants

By Doug Warner, NEWS 9

CRUTCHO, Okla. -- Cindy Carlton is on a tight back to school budget.

She's not worried about stocking up on supplies to fill backpacks. Like most new teachers, she's trying to fill up her classroom.

Carlton said it's almost a professional habit for teachers to use their own funds to purchases things for their classroom, so the first-year teacher is searching the Internet for the best bargains.

"I'm not here for the money," she said. "I'm here for the kids."

Carlton posted a listing on craigslist.com hoping to find some cheap furniture.

"I'm looking for a very small sofa or love seat," she said.

A new Web site could help her on her quest. DonorsChoose.org links teachers grant request with anonymous donors.

Tuttle Middle School teacher Jody Maxie received a grant from DonorsChoose to fund a new crime scene investigation class.

"Every year we hear the same thing from our administration: ‘It's going to be tight this year and we need to cut back where we can,'" Maxie said. "We're always looking for ways to bring equipment and supplies into our classroom and DonorsChoose is one avenue."