We proudly support teachers in Sarasota County Schools because they change lives. They inspire wonder and curiosity—and prepare the next generation of leaders, innovators, and thinkers. When teachers thrive, students thrive. That’s why we take care of teachers and help them transform their classrooms and their lessons. We celebrate excellent teachers and help make amazing learning happen.

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[{"proposalId":9931634,"teacherName":"Ms. Harber","teacherPossessiveName":"Ms. Harber's","teacherPhoto":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8742956_orig.jpg?crop=2276,2276,x0,y0&width=34&height=34&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1664828183811","schoolName":"Oak Park School","city":"Sarasota","state":"FL","title":"Ms. Harber's Games & Learning Manipulatives Project","impactNote":"Dear Education Foundation of Sarasota County,\n\nI participate in many things the Education Foundation supports. This year I'm in the Teacher Impact Fellows Program and have attended many professional learning events as well. I would like to thank the Education Foundation for donating to my Donor's Choose project, Ms, Harber's Games and Learning Manipulatives Project. \r\n\r\nMy students and I have had so much fun opening and discovering all of the fun things the project donations afforded us! \r\n\r\nThank you for donating to my project!","photopaths":null},{"proposalId":9928226,"teacherName":"Ms. Migs","teacherPossessiveName":"Ms. Migs'","teacherPhoto":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7065425_orig.png?crop=883,883,x119,y193&width=34&height=34&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1690042850780","schoolName":"Cranberry Elementary School","city":"North Port","state":"FL","title":"Mid-year Crisis","impactNote":"Dear Education Foundation of Sarasota County,\n\nThank you for all of the matching donation opportunities you provide the teachers of Sarasota! Your continued support is very much appreciated and reminds me that I am valued. I am certain I speak for all of my colleagues when I say it is so affirming to have a community that recognizes the importance of all the 'extras' a teacher brings to the classroom and helps us make them happen.","photopaths":null},{"proposalId":9922768,"teacherName":"Ms. England","teacherPossessiveName":"Ms. England's","teacherPhoto":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7381178_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=34&height=34&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1596394931421","schoolName":"Emma E Booker Elementary School","city":"Sarasota","state":"FL","title":"Math in My Hands: Building Kindergarten Skills Through Creation","impactNote":"Dear Education Foundation of Sarasota County,\n\nThank you for helping our kindergarten students learn through play! These new math tools will help children build, count, solve problems, and learn together while growing confidence, curiosity, and a love of learning.","photopaths":null},{"proposalId":9921444,"teacherName":"Ms. Wall","teacherPossessiveName":"Ms. Wall's","teacherPhoto":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9265448_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=34&height=34&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1721861817602","schoolName":"Wilkinson Elementary School","city":"Sarasota","state":"FL","title":"Art for Young Learners","impactNote":"Dear Education Foundation of Sarasota County,\n\nWe are so blessed to have such an amazing organization dedicated to supporting our classrooms. Matching donations for projects like mine and many others is truly game changing for us. You make possible what would have otherwise been just an impossible dream. These special art supplies will last throughout this year and into future years, where even more children will benefit from being able to express themselves through art. Thank you so very much for your kindness and for understanding the value of education.","photopaths":null},{"proposalId":9920866,"teacherName":"Ms. Kim","teacherPossessiveName":"Ms. Kim's","teacherPhoto":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10333058_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y331&width=34&height=34&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1761498236226","schoolName":"Taylor Ranch Elementary School","city":"Venice","state":"FL","title":"Soft Lights for Bright Minds","impactNote":"Dear Education Foundation of Sarasota County,\n\nThank you for your generous support of our Soft Lights for Bright Minds project. Because of your contribution, our students are learning in a calmer, more supportive environment that better meets their sensory and emotional needs. The soft lighting has helped students remain focused longer, regulate their emotions more effectively, and engage more fully in instruction. As an educator, I have been able to provide more meaningful small-group lessons, smoother transitions, and a classroom atmosphere where all students feel safe and ready to learn. We are incredibly grateful to the Education Foundation of Sarasota County for investing in our students and helping create a learning space where they can truly thrive.","photopaths":null},{"proposalId":9901402,"teacherName":"Ms. Kane","teacherPossessiveName":"Ms. Kane's","teacherPhoto":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/34/teacher-placeholder-7_34.png?auto=webp","schoolName":"Dreamers Academy Dual Language","city":"Sarasota","state":"FL","title":"Read, Dream, Grow","impactNote":"Dear Education Foundation of Sarasota County,\n\nThanks to our DonorsChoose project, we received 89 titles from the FLDOE Recommended Book Lists to support our Read, Dream, Grow Challenge. Students in K–6 can check them out from our library, and 285 students are currently participating. These high-quality books have increased engagement and access to grade-level texts. Housed in our library, they will continue inspiring readers and strengthening literacy for years to come.","photopaths":null},{"proposalId":9898751,"teacherName":"Mrs. Speckman","teacherPossessiveName":"Mrs. Speckman's","teacherPhoto":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9099241_orig.jpg?crop=750,750,x0,y530&width=34&height=34&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1689446123068","schoolName":"Alta Vista Elementary School","city":"Sarasota","state":"FL","title":"Exploring Wonders: a Hands-On Science Center for Curious Minds","impactNote":"Dear Education Foundation of Sarasota County,\n\nThis project had a powerful impact on our students’ learning by making science meaningful, engaging, and accessible for all learners. The hands-on materials allowed students to actively explore concepts rather than just hear about them, which helped deepen their understanding and build confidence. Students were more motivated to participate, ask questions, and explain their thinking using new science vocabulary.\r\n\r\nBecause of the materials provided, I was able to create intentional science centers, small-group investigations, and guided experiments that supported observation, prediction, and problem-solving skills. The resources also allowed me to differentiate instruction, giving students multiple opportunities to explore at their own pace while working collaboratively with peers. Overall, the project helped foster curiosity, critical thinking, and a genuine excitement for learning that will continue beyond our classroom.","photopaths":null},{"proposalId":9885391,"teacherName":"Ms. Cohen","teacherPossessiveName":"Ms. Cohen's","teacherPhoto":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5657378_272x272.jpg?width=34&height=34&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1534281197765","schoolName":"Booker Middle School","city":"Sarasota","state":"FL","title":"Hungry students","impactNote":"Dear Education Foundation of Sarasota County,\n\nThank you for your support of this project and for your continued commitment to students in our community. Because of the resources provided, I was able to focus more fully on instruction, knowing that my students’ basic needs were being addressed. Students were more attentive, emotionally regulated, and ready to engage in learning throughout the day. Your support helped create a stable and caring classroom environment during a difficult time, and I am deeply grateful for the role the Education Foundation of Sarasota County played in supporting my students and their success.","photopaths":null},{"proposalId":9878894,"teacherName":"Ms. Cindy","teacherPossessiveName":"Ms. Cindy's","teacherPhoto":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10082685_orig.jpg?crop=720,720,x0,y0&width=34&height=34&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1752762895837","schoolName":"Taylor Ranch Elementary School","city":"Venice","state":"FL","title":"Help the Busy Bees to Keep Their Garden Growing Strong","impactNote":"Dear Education Foundation of Sarasota County,\n\nOur new garden will flourish with the help of these rain barrels, allowing students to engage with their environment in meaningful ways for years ahead. \r\nWe appreciate your support in fostering an educational experience rooted in environmental care!\r\nThank you so much for the kindness of the Education Foundation of Sarasota County!","photopaths":null},{"proposalId":9878220,"teacherName":"Mrs. Maiolo","teacherPossessiveName":"Mrs. Maiolo's","teacherPhoto":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp152196_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y15&width=34&height=34&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1566263370216","schoolName":"Cranberry Elementary School","city":"North Port","state":"FL","title":"Bringing Beloved Book Series to Young Readers","impactNote":"Dear Education Foundation of Sarasota County,\n\nWe would also like to extend a special thank you to the Sarasota Education Foundation for supporting projects like ours and investing in local classrooms. Your commitment to enhancing educational opportunities makes a meaningful difference for both teachers and students. Because of your dedication to our community, my students have greater access to engaging, high-quality books that inspire curiosity, growth, and a lifelong love of learning.","photopaths":null},{"proposalId":9877719,"teacherName":"Ms. Tejada","teacherPossessiveName":"Ms. Tejada's","teacherPhoto":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7473614_orig.jpg?crop=379,379,x39,y124&width=34&height=34&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1660922656078","schoolName":"Tuttle Elementary School","city":"Sarasota","state":"FL","title":"A Fun Way to Learn!","impactNote":"Dear Education Foundation of Sarasota County,\n\nThank you for your support in helping me purchase various supplementary activities that align with the curriculum. Not only are these activities enjoyable, but they also address the diverse needs of every student in the classroom. Different activities, such as \"Read the Room,\" \"Match the Sentence,\" \"Sound and Blend,\" and \"Writing Journals,\" have made a significant difference for my students. They are eager to learn and engage with the materials because they are having fun while doing so. We truly appreciate your help. Thank you!","photopaths":null},{"proposalId":9875694,"teacherName":"Mrs. Kate Kramer","teacherPossessiveName":"Mrs. Kate Kramer's","teacherPhoto":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7416084_orig.png?crop=305,305,x0,y72&width=34&height=34&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1654043634551","schoolName":"Gocio Elementary School","city":"Sarasota","state":"FL","title":"Keeping Our Safety Patrols Warm While They Serve!","impactNote":"Dear Education Foundation of Sarasota County,\n\nThis project made an immediate and meaningful difference for our Safety Patrol students. Before receiving these items, our patrols were often standing outside on chilly, windy mornings while focused on helping others get safely to class. Now, with warm hats, scarves, and gloves, they are able to perform their duties comfortably and confidently.\r\n\r\nThe biggest impact, however, went beyond warmth. These items showed our students that their time, leadership, and dedication are truly valued. Wearing their gear with pride, our patrols felt recognized and appreciated, which boosted their confidence and strengthened their sense of responsibility. When students feel supported, they take even greater pride in serving others—and we saw that reflected every morning and afternoon.\r\n\r\nThis project reminded our Safety Patrols that kindness and service matter, and that our school community is grateful for the students who show up early, lead by example, and take care of others every single day.","photopaths":null},{"proposalId":9872174,"teacherName":"Mr. George Svetkovich","teacherPossessiveName":"Mr. George Svetkovich's","teacherPhoto":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/34/teacher-placeholder-1_34.png?auto=webp","schoolName":"Venice High School","city":"Venice","state":"FL","title":"Learning to Grow","impactNote":"Dear Education Foundation of Sarasota County,\n\nThis project will have a meaningful impact on my students’ learning by giving them hands-on opportunities to build real-world vocational and life skills. Working in the garden will allow students to practice following multi-step directions, use new tools with increasing confidence, and develop independence through structured routines. Many of my students thrive with tactile, purposeful tasks, and the gardening materials will create an authentic environment where they could learn responsibility, teamwork, and problem-solving in a natural and engaging way.\r\n\r\nWith the tools and supplies, they will be able to learn skills such as preparing soil, planting, watering schedules, and basic horticulture concepts. These experiences also support academic goals related to gardening and environmental science. Without the donated materials, this type of hands-on, project-based learning would not have been possible.\r\n\r\nWe are especially grateful to the Education Foundation of Sarasota County for supporting this project. Their generosity will allow us to create a meaningful learning space at Inverness Farm where students can practice work skills that directly connect to future employment opportunities. The impact on their confidence and independence will be incredibly positive, and we truly appreciate the Foundation’s commitment to our students’ success.","photopaths":null},{"proposalId":9872002,"teacherName":"Ms. Miller","teacherPossessiveName":"Ms. Miller's","teacherPhoto":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6973943_orig.jpg?crop=471,471,x0,y17&width=34&height=34&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1663183277293","schoolName":"Dreamers Academy Dual Language","city":"Sarasota","state":"FL","title":"Filling in the Gaps in the Music Room","impactNote":"Dear Education Foundation of Sarasota County,\n\nThank you so much for your matching funds toward my Donors Choose project for the music room! It filled in the gap and allowed me to purchase several classroom supplies we needed, add additional mallets for our Orff xylophones, and enhance our multicultural drum circle unit for 4th and 5th grades with fresh curriculum and new instruments. I appreciate your commitment to the teachers and students of Sarasota!","photopaths":null},{"proposalId":9868094,"teacherName":"Mrs. Connor","teacherPossessiveName":"Mrs. Connor's","teacherPhoto":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2630525_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=34&height=34&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1565552942205","schoolName":"Brookside Middle School","city":"Sarasota","state":"FL","title":"Basics for the Reading Classroom!","impactNote":"Dear Education Foundation of Sarasota County,\n\nThank you so much for fulfilling our classroom project. Many of these supplies were much needed for myself and my students in order to stay organized and working smoothly every day. I was able to give my students the supplies they were missing. They were also so excited about the new manga books! These kids are wild over them! I love that it gets them to read and gets them to keep asking for more books! It is a joy to seem them reading and enjoying what they are reading! This was all made possible because of you and for that I am grateful!","photopaths":null},{"proposalId":9867552,"teacherName":"Mrs. Gimmi","teacherPossessiveName":"Mrs. Gimmi's","teacherPhoto":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5433060_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=34&height=34&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1604053486684","schoolName":"Bay Haven School Basics Plus","city":"Sarasota","state":"FL","title":"Makedo in the Makerspace","impactNote":"Dear Education Foundation of Sarasota County,\n\nThank you for supporting this project. With your help, I have been able to bring refreshed tools to our STEM Lab here at Bay Haven. We have been working to bring Science back to life and tools like MakeDo can make it happen. We are looking forward to continually using these tools in the classroom. Thank you for all you do for teachers here in Sarasota.","photopaths":null},{"proposalId":9862653,"teacherName":"Ms. Berrones","teacherPossessiveName":"Ms. Berrones'","teacherPhoto":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10334704_orig.jpg?width=34&height=34&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1770837928579","schoolName":"Tuttle Elementary School","city":"Sarasota","state":"FL","title":"Earn, Save, Spend, grow...our Classroom Economy Helps Us Succeed","impactNote":"Dear Education Foundation of Sarasota County,\n\nIn our classroom economy students have learned a variety of skill related to employment, finances, budgeting, and life skills. Students have daily and weekly employment requirements which allows them to earn income. Students without specific jobs earn income through classroom participation and above and beyond behavior. Students earn income using a ticket system that is then deposited into their bank accounts using excel. Bank tellers are responsible for counting student tickets and updating the excel spreadsheet sheet. Students then use their funds to purchase items from our classroom store such as the snacks you so generously provided. \r\n\r\nThis experience has highly impacted all three of my 5th grade classes and over 60 students. Students have developed a diverse response to money management and responsibility. It has been an honor to introduce them to the world of finances and budgeting while also being able to provide them with snacks so they are not hungry during the school day. Students at my school are from low socioeconomic status and often come to school hungry and with little knowledge economics. Thanks to your generosity and this project students now have a foundation to build on in middle and high school.","photopaths":null},{"proposalId":9860189,"teacherName":"Mrs. Lenerz","teacherPossessiveName":"Mrs. Lenerz's","teacherPhoto":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/34/teacher-placeholder-9_34.png?auto=webp","schoolName":"Pine View School","city":"Osprey","state":"FL","title":"Get Down to Learning: Floor Chairs for Student Success","impactNote":"Dear Education Foundation of Sarasota County,\n\nI am incredibly grateful to the Education Foundation of Sarasota County for their support of our classroom transformation! The flex chairs you helped provide have had a profound impact on my students' learning by eliminating the barrier of physical discomfort that was previously hindering their focus and engagement. Students who once fidgeted and lost concentration during lessons are now able to settle into comfortable positions that support sustained attention and deeper learning.\r\n\r\nBecause of the materials provided through your foundation's support, I've been able to create a truly flexible learning environment where students take ownership of their educational experience. I can now facilitate literature circles, research projects, and independent work time with the confidence that every student has access to a comfortable learning space that meets their individual needs. The washable feature has allowed us to maintain a clean, welcoming environment that students are excited to use every single day.\r\n\r\nThe Education Foundation of Sarasota County has given my students more than just seating – you've given them the message that their comfort and learning preferences matter. This support has allowed me to teach in a way that honors how children naturally learn best, and the results speak for themselves in increased engagement, longer attention spans, and genuine enthusiasm for learning.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our students and investing in their success!","photopaths":null},{"proposalId":9859414,"teacherName":"Mrs. Sparrow","teacherPossessiveName":"Mrs. Sparrow's","teacherPhoto":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9448666_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x0,y100&width=34&height=34&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1712863591192","schoolName":"Gocio Elementary School","city":"Sarasota","state":"FL","title":"Ready, Set, Review!","impactNote":"Dear Education Foundation of Sarasota County,\n\nStudent participation has increased significantly since implementing games for review. The students want to do well and love a good challenge. Along with that challenge is the practice they need and are getting without even realizing all the hard work they're putting in. Thank you Education Foundation of Sarasota County for all the games to use as a review!","photopaths":null},{"proposalId":9858175,"teacherName":"Ms. Golden","teacherPossessiveName":"Ms. Golden's","teacherPhoto":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/34/teacher-placeholder-6_34.png?auto=webp","schoolName":"Sarasota School - Arts & Science","city":"Sarasota","state":"FL","title":"Book T-Shirt Project","impactNote":"Dear Education Foundation of Sarasota County,\n\nThank you so much for your assistance with the funding of this project! It has been a fantastic success in my classroom in encouraging reading and critical thought. Upon hearing about the project and seeing the materials that would allow them to create their project shirts, my students became so excited to choose and read a book to be able to participate. Many of them even enjoyed their books so thoroughly they continued to read similar titles or sequels! Since the completion of the project, many students have worn their shirts to school and were able to share their choices and recommend new books to their peers. None of this would have been possible without the support from the Education Foundation of Sarasota County. Thank you so much for your help!","photopaths":null}]

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