Teacher Imposes Stringent Financial Policies at School, Making Teaching More Challenging Than Parents Generally Understand
In the United States, the education system is facing significant challenges, one of which is the financial strain teachers are experiencing due to the need to purchase classroom supplies out of their own pockets. According to a recent study, approximately 95-96% of teachers spend their own money on necessary materials, with annual expenses ranging between $655 and over $1,600.
Teachers' expenses are particularly high at the beginning of the year, when they decorate their classrooms and buy supplies. Kelsey, a teacher in the U.S., shared that her school limits the number of copies teachers can make each month, making it essential for her to get ahead of her paper needs by copying things she uses weekly before the limit resets.
The costs of classroom supplies have risen significantly over the past five years, with an average increase of about 20%. This has led many teachers to take on second jobs or side hustles to cover these expenses. In North Carolina, for instance, teachers spend an average of $1,632 annually on classroom supplies, a 22% increase recently.
The types of supplies teachers purchase with their own money include consumable supplies like paper and pencils, classroom décor, educational aids such as books and games, snacks, and cleaning and first aid supplies. A national teacher survey found that the average annual expense is around $1,021, representing a 12% rise from the previous year’s $915.
Despite the high costs, tax relief for teachers is limited. Teacher deductions are capped between $300-$600, despite actual spending being much higher. This financial strain is another reason why the education system in the U.S. needs major improvement.
Nia Tipton, a staff writer with a bachelor's degree in creative writing and journalism, covers news and lifestyle topics that focus on psychology, relationships, and the human experience. In this article, she highlights the reality of teachers having to bend over backwards just to get basic supplies, including making copies for their students.
As Kelsey prepares for the new school year, she is grateful for the opportunity to print more worksheets and assignments, as there aren't many teachers making copies currently. However, she still needs to bring her own color paper or cardstock for color printing or copying, as the school only provides basic paper. The burden of these expenses continues to be a significant challenge for teachers across the U.S., and it's time for a change.
References:
- Classroom Funding: Teachers Spending More on Supplies
- Teachers Spending Thousands on Classroom Supplies
- Teachers' Out-of-Pocket Spending on School Supplies
- Teachers' Out-of-Pocket Spending on School Supplies
- Teacher Deductions: What You Need to Know
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