The Edutopia Poll
by Sara Ring
Glue sticks and markers and books, oh, my! Although many schools provide teachers with a small budget for school supplies, those funds are often insufficient to cover classroom needs. In Edutopia's 2007 Readers' Survey, the majority of teachers reported that they spend hundreds of dollars every year out of their own pocket. In fact, only a handful of teachers stated that they never dipped into their wallet to pay for supplies. Though personal spending is the norm for most educators, it's still a controversial practice in a profession that already demands intense commitment without commensurate compensation. Where do you stand on out-of-pocket spending? We want to know!
School Supplies
Submitted by Noreen T, Geehan (not verified) on September 14, 2008 - 08:50.
I am librarians who among many others are still buying supplies even though I am no longer in a classroom. I thought buying items/supplies for a classroom was expensive just try the library! Libraries are under funded/under staffed and are expected to do more with less every year.
my money for school expenses
Submitted by Sheryl Redman (not verified) on August 17, 2008 - 16:59.
I barely keep the lights on at my house on a teacher's salary, but I can do without a new blouse or skip a haircut so that my students can get a pencil or some paper from me.
What I resent is the amount of money I spend on ink and paper I spend in order to do all the paperwork necessary as a special ed teacher. We never seem to have enough money in the budget for the things we are required to do by law.
And don't even talk about raising taxes to pay for anything! The same people who don't complain about their $1000 a month car payment or the gas for their house-sized SUV, act like you've asked for a kidney if you expect them to fork out a lousy $10 a month extra in property taxes. What is that - 2 Lattes a month?
I'll stop here before I get really angry.
Buying School Supplies
Submitted by Victoria (not verified) on August 15, 2008 - 15:56.
I am a single mother too, with 2 in college and no child support or alimony coming in. I look for all the sales during the summer and buy my school supplies at the lowest price I can find. By stocking up the kids have what they need and it doesn't hurt my budget. Many places will let you buy over the limit if you are a teacher and show your ID. If not I take my kids to stand in line and buy for me!
I also get donations from some of the local businesses. They send me extra paper, pens, pencils, even calendars. We send them pictures of the kids using the supplies in class. It's great PR for the companies.
Tax credit for school supplies
Submitted by S.Steelman (not verified) on August 14, 2008 - 13:47.
It's true I would of saved thousands of $'s over the many years of buying school supplies. The Federal Credit for Educator Expenses allows up to $250. of qualified expenses as an adjustment to gross income. It's a little drop in the tax bucket, however the joy I receive is priceless.
School supplies
Submitted by Ann Sisko (not verified) on August 14, 2008 - 11:48.
When I want something specific for my classroom, I usually buy it. I am certainly not obligated to, but the ordering process has become so lengthy and cumbersome that it is frequently easier -- and a better use of my time -- just to go out and buy what I need than it is to check vendors, fill out paperwork, get signatures, etc.
My class is conducting a schoolwide Presidential election this November, and I would like to purchase a classroom set of paperback books to supplement our study of the process. I AM going to try to order those through the school; I'm hoping I won't feel the need to spring for that purchase!
Inner-city students providing their own supplies?
Submitted by Joan McCoo (not verified) on August 14, 2008 - 10:18.
I teach at an inner city school and most of the teachers on my campus have given up on students providing their own supplies and we provide them. I realize this is not preparing them for the "real world" where very little is given to them. Last year I required students to provide their own folder. The folder represented 2 test grades at the end of the semester. Over half of my students failed to get a folder and those students failed my class. I told them the folder could have been recycled since kindergarten. It did not have to be new. This year I am providing the folders. It is not worth the risk of having a high failure rate and possibly losing my job!!
Teachers Spending on Students
Submitted by Tracey (not verified) on August 13, 2008 - 17:13.
I, too, spend way too much money on my class. Much of it is books for my own professional study or to supplement the core curriculum, but a lot of it is on "real" art supplies (so my sixth graders can make something worth keeping), paperback books that I give them, and occasional rewards for those who work with commitment and who strive for excellence. However, I don't believe it should be expected of us. My least favorite thing is buying a box of paper at $30+ when we're low at school . . .
School Supplies
Submitted by Lauren Hinton (not verified) on August 13, 2008 - 13:49.
If I didn't buy extras when I buy my own sons for my classroom, I would have many students spending lunch in detention rather then taking a break and enjoying some time with their peers. they need down time too in HS. And in an alternative HS, they can not always be expected to be prepared for class so for a token turned in I give them supplies, they get 50 per semester and I keep them so they don't lose them. Plenty to get through 90 days.
Buying school supplies
Submitted by Rhonda (not verified) on August 12, 2008 - 19:23.
Only mean, uncaring teachers don't make sure the kids have what they need. This is not the time to teach personal responsibility because the parents are the ones who control the money. Go to the sales and get some stuff for the first week or two. Show you care. You can change a life by being a teacher the kids can count on to help them have what they need. And always make sure there is a pack of pencils, some safety pins and some Kotex in your desk.
Buying school supplies
Submitted by LS (not verified) on August 18, 2008 - 09:38.
Holy Cow, Rhonda! The ONLY teachers I've ever known that don't spend a penny on classroom supplies are Montessori teachers. Public school teachers should not have to spend their hard earned money on supplies! But, They do...I'm guilty myself. Each week I spend big bucks to supply 100 kids with art projects and activities. Why? Because once a week the kids are having fun learning! The drawback? I work part-time...I make more money WHEN I DON'T WORK! We need to stand together and put our foot down. The economy is at rock bottom...and teachers are subsidizing the school? It's got to stop! This kind of stuff is the biggest reason teachers are leaving for "better" opportunities. I don't know what the solution is, but Congress needs to step in. Maybe they could cut "SOME" of the benefits that state prisoners enjoy, to properly supply our nations classrooms! LS
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