Teachers have a difficult job, and one that doesn’t go without personal sacrifice along the way. Back-to-school is right around the corner and is just as stressful for teachers as it is for families. While you’re back-to-school shopping with your children this year, keep these points in the back of your mind–you may just make a teacher’s entire year for helping the season go smoothly!
Many people know by now that educators often pay for classroom supplies out of their own pockets. Since parents and caregivers buy supplies for their own kids, many feel that they have a general idea of how much teachers spend. However, it’s way more than you think, and even tax deductions are little help. In fact, in 2002, teachers were given a $250 tax deduction on out-of-pocket supply expenses. 20 years later, in 2022, that deduction was raised to just $300, clearly not keeping up with inflation or wage discrepancies over the decades. Meanwhile, in 2022, the average teacher spent $820.14 of their own cash on school supplies for the classroom. Many educators feel as though the $300 deduction does not come close to the support they truly need.
We conducted our annual teacher survey in March 2023 and received over 2,400 responses. This is what teachers want you to keep in mind while back-to-school shopping this year.
Teachers deeply, deeply appreciate classroom donations, though they are never expected, and all donations are appreciated no matter how small.