Last Updated on 14 November 2019

Did you see the article last week in USA Today about the teacher who is selling ads on tests to make money to afford to make copies?

Tom Farber, a calculus teacher at Rancho Bernardo High School in San Diego, California “did the math” and calculated that at 3-cents per page he would need over $500 to print his tests for the year… However, school district supply cuts left him with only a $316 printing budget.

So, he had the bright idea to allow his tests to be sponsored. So far he’s collected over $350 by charging $10 for a quiz, $20 for a chapter test, and $30 for a semester final (which, by the way has sold out).

Most of the ads purchased have been motivational quotes underwritten by parents… But it also includes a local dentist ad stating: “Brace Yourself for a Great Semester.”

While the root problem that needs a solving is the underfunded schools, Mr. Farber’s ability to take a different and creative approach has solved his short-term pain.

Are there non-traditional approaches you should consider at your business?

Photo by Charlie Neuman, San Diego Union-Tribune