When I was in middle school, one of my teachers had a bearded dragon in her classroom and I have never forgotten it. As a teacher myself, I couldn't imagine a better class pet than that, and I have thought about it often. So you can imagine my excitement when a friend told me she knew someone looking to rehome her bearded dragon. I jumped at the opportunity. I was so excited for my students to experience that amazement AND I got to adopt a dragon in need. Unfortunately, it appears that her previous home was not meeting her nutritional needs or environmental needs, so the supplies she was sent with were not nearly sufficient for her to live a healthy life.
People may wonder why an ELA teacher needs a class pet at all, but there is so much to learn from animals beyond the biology and the environmental sciences of their lives.
I teach more than just grammar and literature. I teach empathy when we read the stories of people who are different than ourselves. I teach responsibility by holding students accountable for their assignments. I teach risk-taking through creativity. And now, I teach all these things and more with the help of Jessica (yes, Jessica), my newly adopted bearded dragon.
Jessica requires students to consider the needs of someone smaller and more vulnerable than themselves, in a way they typically do not. They have taken responsibility for creating a safe and comfortable classroom for her to live in. I get to see the innate curiosity of children that is so prevalent in elementary school and rarely expressed by the time they reach me in 8th grade.
There are so many possibilities for my students, but Jessica deserves a safe and enriching life that I need help to provide.
Nearly all students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
REPTI ZOO Collapsible 120 Gallon Reptile Tank, Tempered Glass Large Reptile Terrarium 48"x24"x24", Black PVC Back, Front & Top Ventilation & Anti Escape Lid, Easy Folding
• Amazon Business
$434.98
1
$434.98
Zilla Reptile Pet Habitat Lighting & Terrarium Heat Power Center Timer, Digital
• Amazon Business
$39.95
1
$39.95
GABraden Small Animals Playpen,Reptiles Cage,Chicken Run Coop Chicken Playpen Breathable Transparent Pet Playpen Pop Open Outdoor/Indoor Exercise Fence,Portable Yard Fence (Blue)
• Amazon Business
$35.99
1
$35.99
Simple Deluxe PTCLAMCR150MCTRL 150W Reptile Heat Bulb & 150W Clamp Light with 8.5" Reflector & Digital Thermostat Controller Combo Set, Black
• Amazon Business
$28.86
1
$28.86
BOURDSERK Reptile Metal Lamp Stand, Adjustable 24 to 38 in of The Basking Light Floor Holder Heat Lamp Bracket, Suitable for Snake Turtle Bearded Dragon Chameleon Habitat Terrarium Tank Accessories
• Amazon Business
$27.98
1
$27.98
Tikaton Reptile Heat Pad - Adjustable Temperature Under Tank Heater for 10-20gal/30-40gal Tank, Terrarium Heat Mat for Turtle/Snake/Lizard/Frog/Spider/Plant Box
• Amazon Business
$23.78
1
$23.78
Tfwadmx 2Pcs Large Bearded Dragon Hammock Lizard Lounger Natural Seagrass Fiber Reptile Habitat Decor with Leaves Rattan Plant for Geckos Snakes
• Amazon Business
$18.99
1
$18.99
Hamiledyi Turtles Basking Platform 3Pcs Resin Bearded Dragons Climbing Step Ramp Tortoise Resting Dock Rock Hideout with Feeder Bowls for Reptile Lizards Chameleons Geckos Frogs Newts Snakes
• Amazon Business
$18.98
1
$18.98
Simple Deluxe 60W Ceramic Heat Emitter Reptile Heat Lamp Bulb No Light Emitting Brooder Coop Heater for Amphibian Pet & Incubating Chicken, Black, 4-Pack
• Amazon Business
$16.99
1
$16.99
REPTIZOO 2 PCS Bearded Dragon Toys Reptile Feeder Toy, Bearded Dragon Accessories Reptile Terrarium Tank Decor for Lizard, Bearded Dragon, Gecko, Small Animals
• Amazon Business
2-Pack Mini Digital Hygrometer Thermometer Gauge with Probe LCD Display Temperature Fahrenheit Humidity Meter for Incubator Reptile Plant Terrarium Sealed Containers Guitar Case
• Amazon Business
$9.49
1
$9.49
Duedusto Bearded Dragon Tank Accessories, Reptile Terrarium Liner Substrate for Leopard Gecko, Snake, Lizard and Tortoise, Non-Adhesive Reptile Carpet Bedding for Reptile Tank, Black
• Amazon Business
$8.99
1
$8.99
Koomduk 6 Pack Bearded Dragon Toys, Accessories, Balls Bell,Fit for Lizard Small Reptile Habitat Terrarium Tank
• Amazon Business
$7.99
1
$7.99
Materials cost
$695.95
Vendor shipping charges
FREE
Sales tax
$0.00
3rd party payment processing fee
$10.44
Fulfillment labor & materials
$30.00
Total project cost
$736.39
Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
$129.95
Total project goal
$866.34
How we calculate what's needed
Total project goal
$866.34
12 Donors
-$487.50
Donations toward project cost
-$419.62
Donations to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
-$67.88
match offer
-$372.67
Match offer toward project cost
-$316.77
Match offer to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.
As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Ms. Seiberlich and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
