Yes. I would feel guilty if I did not personally provide students with the supplies that aren't covered by the school's budget.
37% (569 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.
56% (861 votes)
No. I do not use my personal money to buy school supplies. The funding should come from the school.
7% (112 votes)
Total votes: 1542
Comments (62)
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Money is the the solution
Money is not the solution. For as many activities that require me to buy extra supplies there are ones that do not. It is important that students see adults making wise decisions and not spoiling them. Spending your own money doesn't make you a better teacher. A great teacher is creative with what she/he has, and is appreciative of those things.
Thanks,
Technology In Class
Classroom supplies
I spend my own money on things like books and other materials for classroom projects if it's not too expensive. Usually those things are reusable as well, so it's more of an investment. I do not, however, purchase notebooks, pencils, folders, or any other personal supplies for students, nor do I think it's the district's responsibility to do so. It is the parents' responsibility to provide for their children. I also teach in the inner-city ghetto. On my first day of teaching, I told my students they needed to write some things down. They told me, (and I quote) "We be po. My mama can't afford to buy us stuff. You're supposed to do that! That's part of your job!" (Yet he was wearing a new pair of Nike's.) I told him it was cheaper for his mother to buy supplies for him and his one sister than it was for me to purchase supplies for 20 students and that I had no intention of doing so. I also told the class their first test would be on classroom policy. Suddenly everyone found something to write on and with. I see many parents picking their children up in new SUV's with plenty of bling. If they can afford the payments on a new Cadillac Escalade, to fly to Disney Land, to hire a limo for a weekend party, or a new pair of Nike's, then they can afford school supplies.
My wife is a teacher and I
My wife is a teacher and I constantly have to remind her to stop spending her own money on school supplies. Her school pays her no benefits and often asks her to do newsletters after hours. In light of that, I think asking or pressuring her to buy her own school supplies is going too far. I can't believe teachers are really having to face this issue.
School Supplies
Thank you to the teachers who buy the extra school supplies. I went to school in W.V and had teachers who saved me from embarrassment of not having enough money for school supplies. This is my sister-in-law's first year teaching in W.V and I have loaded her down school supplies. Thanks again!
Thanks for nice commants
Thanks for nice commants
I Don't Spend Money on My Classroom
I remember when I was a kid, my mom rarely had money to spend on things to spend on luxuries. She taught nursery school and kindergarten. She worked for a small, private school and was not highly paid. My dad didn't make a lot either. I recall asking her to buy cherries one time and she said, "no, they're too expensive". Then she proceeded to buy Easter candy for her kids at school, construction paper, glue, etc. This was not an isolated incident. My wife and I have had to curtail eating out. I will not spend money on my classroom and then tell her that we can't afford to go out for dinner, buy shrimp or steak, or whatever it is she wants. I won't spend money on my class and then tell my daughter I can't afford to buy her something, say a new game system. I don't spoil her by any means. She gets reasonable presents for birthdays, Christmas, and occastional surprises. The rest goes into a college fund. The flow of money from my job goes one way, into my pocket. I work; I get paid. Now, having said that, I'm not a Scrooge. If I like a class, I will give them Halloween and Christmas treats, just as I do for neighborhood kids. I will buy fundraiser products, if I think I have a use for them, or if I really like the kid. I don't feel ANY obligation though. If a class is comprised of uncooperative children, they get nothing. If they make me look forward to going to that class, I'll shell out a bit for holiday cheer.
School Supplies
Hmn...if the school doesn't provide supplies to those students in need then it's a school system I don't care to work for!
School Supplies
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.
Buying school supplies
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
my money for school expenses
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.