SWAG!

If you haven't discovered this about me already, here's the scoop. I am cheap. I know the proper term is frugal, but I think cheap fits me just fine. I like to find the best deal, and I am deathly afraid of getting ripped off. I also like a healthy bank account which means I shouldn't be writing too many checks!

But back to my main point, as our conference came to an end. I went back to a few of my favorite presenters and exhibitors and told them about my school, my district, and the new motto we have in Florida; "Teach more, do more, but use less". I told them about how Brain Pop has changed my teaching and engaged my students. I told scholastic about our cut in student funding and how programs that cost $129 are out of my league....

And guess what! They gave me stuff FOR FREE! I got a new program to teach livings for FREE! It's interactive, engaging, and amazing. My students will love it & it was FREE! Brain pop gave me a one year classroom subscription FOR FREE! (I do need to remember to email the guy to make sure it goes through). And our media specialist managed to get us a weekly reader express trial for FREE!

The purpose of this post is not to brag about my good fortune at our conference, but only to say that people understand what teachers are going through these days. They know our classroom budgets were slashed and our raises are nonexistent. They know our students are coming in without supplies and that we are being asked to teach more and do more with much less than we have ever had. These exhibitors and presenters are not immune to my stories and our plight. BUT THE GREAT NEWS is that THEY WANT TO HELP! And if you just ask they will!