Selling Out

submitted by ironic

Dec 2 2008 — 9:05pm

Ok MnSpeak folks, here’s the deal: Having seen how it works in other states, I am selling ad space on my exams. I’m not kidding. I’m almost out of copies for the year, and I’m already over $1,000 out of pocket to buy the necessary books and materials. Give me some ideas on who to talk to and who might buy space. Star Tribune? Target? WCCO? Come on…help our children learn.

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14 Reader Comments

matt Dec 2 2008
9:38 pm

If you do find anyone local buying ads, be a pal and let me know.

Bixby Dec 2 2008
10:06 pm

Wow, y’all are really reaching for the MN connection in this post.

miller Dec 2 2008
10:49 pm

This isn’t the dumbest idea I’ve ever heard. Do they sell ads in textbooks yet? Captive audience, desireable market… the cost of text books could be cut in half. I know people get all worked up about exposing the youngfolk to additional advertising, but that ship has sailed.

Bixby Dec 2 2008
10:51 pm

And then there were the report cards from a couple months ago which were sponsored by McD’s.

Bixby Dec 2 2008
11:01 pm

*that were sponsored by McD’s.

Me fail English, that’s unpossible.

Bixby Dec 2 2008
11:01 pm

*that were sponsored by McD’s.

Me fail English, that’s unpossible.

matt Dec 2 2008
11:05 pm

Yeah, not exactly local, but it’s a late night post.

Where do you teach, ironic?

sandburg Dec 3 2008
12:02 am

Have you tried making the kids bring in the materials? I remember having “1 ream of paper” on my back to school list in elementary school. Oh, Minneapolis Public Schools.

Bixby Dec 3 2008
1:01 am

Also try “borrowing” supplies from rich school districts/private schools while on a fieldtrip “observing” how the schools work.

ironic Dec 3 2008
6:43 am

I teach in St. Paul…which has a few schools restructuring already.
I have “procured” things in the past, but it’s getting harder.

Asking kids to bring materials is difficult. The population of kids I teach are almost all on free and reduced lunch…which means those parents and kids are not bringing supplies.

I’m hoping the ads will work, and I’m not looking for just businesses. If people want to purchase space to say whatever (as long as it’s not inappropriate) I’ll put it in.

$10 (total) for quizzes (I have 200 kids, so it’s a bargain).
$20 for a test.
$30 for a quarter or semester final.

vlado4 Dec 3 2008
8:41 am

WOW!

This is a sad state of affairs in so many ways….

Could we limit posts to only happy stuff.

Reality and the news are WAY too depressing.

Bixby Dec 3 2008
11:22 am

Ironic, have you considered securing sponsorship deals for the kids? Nike can sponsor their shoes and then other companies can pay for the kids to wear their logos. Like NASCAR.

Cat is Still Cat Dec 3 2008
11:51 am

Ha! Bix is thinking the same thing I am re: sponsorships — especially if you’re hitting up corporations as they get hit up for all good causes.

But, if they see the benefit in it, the higher chance of getting some funds. Contact the decision maker in community affairs or the foundation, if they have one.

mcgsa Dec 3 2008
12:16 pm

Have you thought about applying to DonorsChoose.org or similar organizations for money for projects?