By admin 
As parents dash about purchasing last-minute school supplies for their children, teachers are also scooping up classroom deals.
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But public school budget cuts have meant that teachers are increasingly shelling out their own money in order to supply their classroom.
Teacher out-of-pocket spending on school supplies has increased 49% since 2015, with teachers now spending close to $900 a year, according to AdoptAClassroom.
In the U.S., 81% of teachers said they purchase supplies in an effort to provide the same opportunities to every student.
We talked to Alison Bliss, a seventh-grade history teacher at Edward Harris Jr. Middle School and president of the Elk Grove Education Association, on what parents can do to help.
Here’s what we found out:
How is money for classroom supplies allocated? Is it enough?
Classroom funding depends on which grade level you teach, according to Bliss.
A department or grade level will receive a set amount of money that often varies, but is generally not enough to decorate a classroom. According to the National Teacher Survey, the median school supply budget is $200 and about 97% of teachers said their budget was not enough to cover their needs. On average, a teacher will spend $895 of their own money on school supplies, according to AdoptAClassroom.
Bliss said teachers do their best with limited resources.
“I don’t know any teacher that does not have to spend hundreds of dollars outside, of their own money, to furnish their classrooms,” said Bliss.
What goes into creating a school supply list for students?
School supplies lists will change with each grade. In elementary school, there are a lot of art supplies, crayons or markers needed. Later, highlighter pens and binders are on the supply list.
In high school, supply lists focus on calculators and organizational materials such as planners that are often more expensive.
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“We try to make lists that are just recommendations,” said Bliss. “We don’t want families to feel obligated or overwhelmed by school supply lists, but we think of things that we use on a daily basis.”
Which supplies often run out first?
If you are looking to make a difference in your child’s classroom there are a few items you can bring extras of in order to help.
Bliss said the following supplies are the first to run out:
- Kleenex
- No. 2 pencils
- Boxes of crayons
- Colored pencils
- Mechanical pencil sharpeners
How do teachers get ready for a new school year?
For families across the country, the school year begins when students enter the classroom. For thousands of teachers, the school year starts weeks before at they attend workshops, training, and prepare their classrooms.
Bliss said it is essential for teachers to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere for their students. According to EduTopia, putting images and short stories or quotes around the classroom can inspire students and give them a greater sense of belonging.
“No matter what grade level you teach, whether it’s elementary, middle school, or high school, teachers want their rooms to be happy, safe places,” said Bliss. “ We’re all given these four blank walls and some windows. And then teachers really put their stamp on it.”
What funding opportunities are available?
Teachers have some options through Adopt A Classroom to help fund classroom supplies, including giveaways, crowdfunding and matching donations. Here’s what to know
Staples Business + AdoptAClassroom.org Giveaway: Five Prize Packs
Deadline: Monday, Aug. 24
$500 Sunbelt Bakery Giveaway: 60 Teachers Will Win
Deadline: Wednesday, Sept. 30
$500 Teacher Conversations Giveaway: 2 Teachers Will Win
Deadline: Monday, Aug. 31
Opportunities to support classroom projects through donations are available through a variety of organizations listed online, like Donors Choose.
National supply networks such as Kids in Need Foundation are another avenue to explore. These networks include the National Association for the Exchange of Industrial Resources (NAIERI).
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