Calling all teachers

    Officials with U.S. Cellular have announced its new Calling All Teachers campaign that will funnel $1 million into classroom materials and educational experiences for students. Between now and Teacher Appreciation Week May 4-8, the wireless company and its 9,000 associates are encouraging teachers to post requests on DonorsChoose.org, a philanthropic Web site that helps public school teachers find money for classroom projects that exceed their limited budgets.
    “We have the potential to help thousands of teachers who are already spending about $1,200 out of their own pockets every year on basic student supplies,” said Karen Ehlers, vice president of public affairs and communications for U.S. Cellular. “We’ll fund as many projects as $1 million allows so we’re encouraging all public school teachers to submit their requests.”
    Maine teachers have posted requests for projects on DonorsChoose that include an easel for $147, a digital camera for field trips for $99, and pedometers for a walking program for $219.
    U.S. Cellular has committed to helping schools in 2009 and 2010 through funding and volunteerism. With state subsidies shaking up school budgets across the state, many schools are finding themselves cutting staff and programs.
    U.S. Cellular associates are spreading the word of the campaign to schools around Maine and will drop into classrooms during Teacher Appreciation Week to surprise selected teachers with the good news their project was funded. The program is open to all public school teachers in the markets where U.S. Cellular does business.
     “Our success comes down to how well we can bring together teachers and donors,” said Charles Best, founder and CEO of DonorsChoose.org. “When more teachers submit projects it’s more likely there will be a connection with a donor, whether it’s a person or a corporation, who says ‘I want to help them out.’”