BROKE TEACHERS, RICH CLASSROOMS
THE ANNUAL TEACHER CLASSROOM SUPPLIES SCAVENGER HUNT '23 BEGINS
It's that time of year again, folks! The Annual Teacher Classroom Supplies Scavenger Hunt is back and better than ever. This year's theme is "Broke Teachers, Rich Classrooms" and we're ready to see some serious scavenging skills from our favorite educators.
As we all know, teachers are notorious for having to dig into their own pockets to provide their students with the necessary supplies for a successful school year. But why should they have to suffer alone? That's where our scavenger hunt comes in.
The rules are simple: each team of teachers will be given a list of supplies they need to find within a certain time frame. The catch? All supplies must be found for free. That's right, no using your own money or begging for donations. It's all about the thrill of the hunt.
Some of the items on this year's list include: a pack of dry erase markers, a ream of printer paper, a set of colored pencils, and a classroom pet (just kidding, PETA). We've even thrown in a few wild card items to keep things interesting, like a signed headshot of Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson (hey, you never know).
But it's not just about finding the supplies. We want to see some creativity and humor from our teachers. Bonus points will be awarded for the most outrageous way of acquiring an item. Need a stapler? Maybe try trading a colleague for their left shoe. Desperate for some construction paper? Why not challenge the school janitor to a dance-off for it?
And let's not forget about the grand prize. The winning team will receive a lifetime supply of coffee (because let's face it, what teacher doesn't run on caffeine?) and a trophy made entirely out of recycled school supplies.
But in all seriousness, the fact that teachers have to resort to scavenger hunts and spending their own money on supplies is a sad reality. It's time for our education system to step up and provide the necessary funding for our teachers and students.
So let's have some fun with this scavenger hunt, but let's also remember the bigger issue at hand. And who knows, maybe one day we'll have a scavenger hunt where teachers can find all the supplies they need without having to resort to such measures.
Until then, let the games begin!
Back-to-school sales boom as teachers dig into their own pockets for classroom supplies | The Hill https://thehill.com/homenews/education/4135876-back-to-school-sales-boom-as-teachers-dig-into-their-own-pockets-for-classroom-supplies/
Teacher Wish List Items For Their Classrooms | HuffPost Life https://www.huffpost.com/entry/teacher-wish-list-items-classrooms_l_64cd38eee4b01ca15989d014
Missing certain school supplies could negatively impact your child https://www.wafb.com/2023/08/07/missing-certain-school-supplies-could-negatively-impact-your-child/
What Are Your Out-Of-Pocket Costs Being A Teacher? https://www.buzzfeed.com/michelelbird/add-yours-extra-costs-for-teachers
Teacher Sign-up | DonorsChoose https://www.donorschoose.org/teachers#:~:text=Connect%20with%20a%20thriving%20community%20of%20donors,donor%20you%20refer%20to%20your%20first%20project .
Kickstarting Making in Schools — Kickstarter https://www.kickstarter.com/pages/pghkidsmake
Help For Teachers Seeking Financial Assistance | GoFundMe https://www.gofundme.com/c/blog/help-for-teachers
THE DEFT DIVE
The issue of teachers digging into their own pockets for classroom supplies:
* **How much do teachers spend on classroom supplies?**
- A 2018 study by the National Center for Education Statistics found that 94% of public school teachers spent their own money on classroom supplies, with an average expenditure of $479. About 44% spent $250 or less, while 36% spent $251 to $500. 7% spent more than $1,000.
* **What kinds of supplies do teachers need?**
The most commonly purchased classroom supplies include:
- * Pens, pencils, and markers
- * Paper
- * Crayons, markers, and colored pencils
- * Scissors, glue, and tape
- * Construction paper
- * Textbooks and other instructional materials
- * Technology supplies (e.g., computers, projectors, and printers)
- * Classroom décor and materials for activities
* **Why do teachers have to spend their own money on classroom supplies?**
There are a few reasons why teachers have to spend their own money on classroom supplies. First, many school districts do not provide enough funding for classroom supplies. Second, school budgets are often tight, and money that could be used for supplies is often diverted to other priorities. Third, teachers often want to provide their students with the best possible learning environment, and they feel that they need to supplement the supplies that are provided by the school.
* **What are the consequences of teachers spending their own money on classroom supplies?**
There are a number of consequences of teachers spending their own money on classroom supplies. First, it can put a financial strain on teachers, many of whom are already underpaid. Second, it can lead to teachers feeling resentful and undervalued. Third, it can create an unfair playing field for students, as those who have teachers who can afford to buy supplies may have a better chance of success than those who do not.
* **What can be done to address the issue of teachers spending their own money on classroom supplies?**
There are a number of things that can be done to address the issue of teachers spending their own money on classroom supplies. First, school districts can increase funding for classroom supplies. Second, school districts can create more efficient budgeting processes that ensure that money is available for supplies. Third, teachers can advocate for better pay and working conditions. Fourth, parents, community members, and businesses can donate supplies to schools. Fifth, teachers can use crowdfunding platforms to raise money for supplies.
The issue of teachers spending their own money on classroom supplies is a serious one that has a number of negative consequences. It is important to find ways to address this issue so that teachers can focus on teaching and students can have the supplies they need to succeed.
FROM BING AI
The topic of teachers digging into their own pockets for classroom supplies:
- - According to a study by the National Center for Education Statistics, 94% of public school teachers in the U.S. spent their own money on school supplies during the 2014-15 school year, without reimbursement¹. The average amount spent was $478, but some teachers reported spending more than $1,000¹.
- - The most common items that teachers bought with their own money were books, instructional materials, classroom supplies (such as pencils, paper, and glue), and food or snacks for their students¹. Some teachers also bought clothing, shoes, or hygiene products for their students who were in need².
- - Teachers in high-poverty schools were more likely to spend their own money on school supplies than teachers in low-poverty schools. The average amount spent by teachers in high-poverty schools was $554, compared to $434 by teachers in low-poverty schools¹. Teachers in urban areas also spent more than teachers in suburban or rural areas¹.
- - The reasons why teachers pay for school supplies with their own money vary, but some common factors are: insufficient funding from the school or district, lack of access to affordable or quality materials, desire to provide engaging and personalized learning experiences for their students, and compassion for their students' well-being²³⁴⁵.
- - Teachers can deduct up to $300 from their taxes for out-of-pocket classroom expenses, but this amount is far less than what many teachers actually spend². Some schools offer stipends or grants to help teachers cover the cost of classroom supplies, but these are often limited or competitive²⁴. Teachers also rely on donations, fundraisers, or online platforms (such as DonorsChoose) to get support from parents, communities, or strangers²⁴⁶.
- - The issue of teachers paying for school supplies with their own money has been raised by various stakeholders, including teacher unions, advocacy groups, policymakers, and researchers. Some of the proposed solutions include: increasing the federal tax deduction for teachers, providing more funding and resources to schools and districts, creating partnerships with businesses or nonprofits to supply classrooms, and raising public awareness and appreciation for teachers' contributions²³⁴⁵⁶.
Bing, 8/7/2023
(1) Teachers dig into their own pockets for classroom supplies. https://www.newsnationnow.com/us-news/education/teachers-dig-into-their-own-pockets-for-classroom-supplies/.
(2) Why do teachers pay for school supplies with their own money?. https://www.marketplace.org/2023/04/07/why-do-teachers-pay-for-school-supplies-with-their-own-money/.
(3) Teachers also dig into their pockets for school spending each year - CNBC. https://www.cnbc.com/2018/08/07/teachers-also-dig-into-their-pockets-for-school-spending-each-year.html.
(4) Nearly all teachers spend own money on school needs: Study - USA TODAY. https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/personalfinance/2018/05/15/nearly-all-teachers-spend-own-money-school-needs-study/610542002/.
(5) Survey: Teachers Digging Into Own Pockets to Buy Education Products. https://marketbrief.edweek.org/marketplace-k-12/survey_teachers_digging_into_own_pockets_to_buy_education_products/.
(6) #OutOfMyPocket: Educators Speak Out on Buying Their Own School Supplies .... https://www.nea.org/advocating-for-change/new-from-nea/outofmypocket-educators-speak-out-buying-their-own-school-supplies.
