Being a high school special education teacher for students with emotional disturbances means working daily with young people whose needs extend far beyond academics. Many of these students struggle with regulating their emotions, building trust, and staying engaged in the classroom.

Positive reinforcement, whether through small prizes, special activities, or recognition, can be a powerful motivator in helping them build confidence, manage behaviors, and work toward their goals. However, with ongoing budget cuts and limited school funding, the resources needed to provide these incentives have become increasingly scarce.

This has led me to seek creative ways to raise money for rewards and experiences that show my students their efforts matter. For them, a small token isn’t just a prize; it’s a sign that someone sees their progress, believes in them, and is willing to invest in their success.