Our teachers. Our heroes.
Every day, MMSD teachers step up—often spending their own money so students have what they need to learn and belong.
The Teacher Support Network was created to ease that burden. From classroom supplies to winter gear, we help cover the costs that fall outside traditional school budgets, so teachers don’t have to.
Last year, thanks to generous support, we provided $319,482 in resources across all 52 MMSD schools and 3 student programs.
Teacher Support Network
Lessening the Load. Fueling Student Success.
MMSD teachers collectively spend $1.4 million a year out of pocket to meet basic student needs,
The Teacher Support Network changes that by giving teachers the resources to respond in real time. Whether it’s pencils, snacks, warm winter gear, or something more urgent, they know best what their students need. We simply make sure they don’t have to pay for it alone.
Because when teachers are supported, students thrive.
Making an Impact
Teacher Support Network: Results from the 2024-25 School Year
52
MMSD schools/ programs supported by the Teacher Support Network
$319K
In support for our public schools
126K
Individual items distributed to teachers & students
“Lindbergh greatly appreciates the thoughtful items available from the Teacher Support Network, as well as having a choice in deciding which items are most needed. As a school with approximately 75% of students qualifying for free or reduced lunch, our community deeply values supporting families by providing all items needed for school at school.”
Andrea Richichi, Principal of Lindbergh Elementary School
Success Stories
A Direct Impact on Students’ Daily Lives
Success Story
Play Every Day Campaign Brings New Life to P.E. and Recess
Spurred by a generous donation from Wesley Matthews, a Memorial alum and current NBA star, the Play Every Day initiative worked to provide much-needed physical education and recess equipment for Madison’s public schools. Part of the Teacher Support Network, the initiative was built to encourage students to get active, understanding the significant impact it has on their health and wellness.
Success Story
Winter wonderland for all students.
In late 2021, as families continued to navigate the pandemic, a $20,000 gift allowed us to purchase more than 1,900 winter outerwear items for students in need. Teachers were able to order winter gear for students who would otherwise go without. We have continued each year since, growing our spend to $50,000 in 2024 to provide much-needed winter gear to our students.
Success Story
All 5K students received books to build reading skills.
At the start of the 2022-23 school year we distributed 16,000 books to all 5K students, helping them improve their literacy at a young age. This book donation was possible thanks to a gift given in honor of Karen C. Ragatz, a longtime ESL educator at Thoreau Elementary School who was committed to helping students strengthen their reading skills.
Sponsors Making a Big Impact
Because of the support of our sponsors and community members, we have been able to scale the Teacher Support Network program from an idea to 3-school pilot, to a district-wide implemented program in three years. We are thankful for this support and opportunity to expand the offerings available to our schools.
Karen C. Ragatz Teacher Support Endowment Fund
Pat Schiro