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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!
Do you feel obligated to buy school supplies with your own money?
Yes. I would feel guilty if I did not personally provide students with the supplies that aren't covered by the school's budget.
34% (85 votes)
Somewhat. Although I don't feel that it's my responsibility to purchase classroom items, I still choose to do so to keep my classroom adequately stocked.
57% (141 votes)
No. I do not use my personal money to buy school supplies. The funding should come from the school.
9% (23 votes)
Total votes: 249
School supplies
The students appreciate the effort we go to in making sure they have hand sanitizer, blank recording media, etc.
Buying school supplies
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.
Share the Wealth
It must be nice to have enough discretionary income to supplement your school's downfalls. As a single mother I am struggilng with $4.35/gallon gas, making my mortgage payment, and putting food on the table for my child. Share the wealth!
School Supplies
Rhonda,
I am offended by your absolute opinion.
Did you ever consider the expense of setting up a classroom, especially for teachers just starting their careers. Although it would be fantastic for teachers to spend money out of their pocket, have you considered that some teachers are making less than 40,000 a year, while paying back student loans? Are you making an assumption that they do not have to pay rent or a home loan? Are you even awar of the initial union dues that teachers have subtracted from their check in the first few years. Your broad generalization and statement of "Uncaring teachers" is that of pure ignorance. Maybe you should save some of your opinions for the districts that do not provide these essential materials to classroom teachers. Your comment is so lacking perspective.
School Supplies
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.
School supplies
Yes, I do buy extra school supplies, for the kids whose parents can't/won't, but it doesn't make me "mean or uncaring" if I don't. What an ignorant statement! I teach kindergarten in WV and am among the lowest paid in the US, yet I spend at leat $400 every year on supplies needed for my classroom; not just pencils and glue sticks, but construction paper, games, books, dress-up clothes, legos, etc. It's completely wrong that teachers feel required to buy what they need to teach, corporate workers would never go out and buy their own copy paper or pens out of obligation to the company!
Teachers Spending on Students
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 . . .
Inner-city students providing their own supplies?
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!!
School supplies
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!
Tax credit for school supplies
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.