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In case you haven’t noticed, the post-pandemic classrooms are evolving, leading to educators like you and me to powerlessly watch the rise of teacher spending in our own classrooms. If you’ve seen this, too, then get to the end of this post as I also share practical tips on how we can manage or, better yet, reduce out-of-pocket spending!
Now, before you think differently of me, let me get this one thing straight. I understand that I have made my oath to teach with dedication, put the needs of my students first, and nurture a love of learning for my students. But let’s face it. The undeniable reality of inflation is taking a toll, not only in our finances, but also in our professional pledge.
After scouring for other ways to raise funds, I have found that teachers spending out of pocket for their classroom needs is something we all face around the country. In fact, according to this1 2021 Teacher Spending Survey, my fellow teachers representing 50 states responded that they spent an average of $750 on school supplies just for the school year 2021-2022. And I could argue to say that for most, it is even higher than that! The survey says this is the highest amount ever since they started these collections of data in 2015.
Well, I also believe that we teachers don’t mind being able to go an extra mile when it comes to the quality learning experience of our students. After all, it feels rewarding to know that what we’re spending on goes to the future leaders, innovators, creators, and positive influencers not only in our country but around the globe. However, if you’re looking for ways to be able to spend less, we’re on the same path. So, let’s get to that.
3 Tips for Teachers to Spend Less on Their Classroom
Reuse and recycle previous years’ materials.
Among the classroom items that we are willing to spend out of pocket are papers, notebooks, crayons, pencils, and clipboards. There could be more for some as a New York Times report2 that 90% of teachers spend their money on supplies and items that they believe would help their students to succeed. However, we can definitely spend less if we will reuse and/or recycle the supplies that we’ve had from the previous years. With creativity, imagination, and a bit of online research, I’m certain we can find something to recycle our previously used classroom items with.
Make use of free resources.
Thankfully, we now have the luxury of limitless information on the internet. This availability of resources also opens us to the free ones that we could use either in a limited time or by discounted subscription. Take the internet, especially YouTube, as your ally when it comes to providing less costly resources to your students, such as showing educational videos or pulling out relevant worksheets.
Work with other sectors.
If you believe that no person is an island, then we’re walking on the same path. Teachers like us could do so much if we have a lot of help from different people, organizations, and even our fellow teachers. Perhaps we don’t need to put up a sign3 on a highway asking for school supplies. However, we can definitely get a lot of help from the community when we seek them out. DonorsChoose is a great example of this and EVERY teacher should be aware if this foundation.
Now what?
I believe it is safe to say that the rising cost of teacher spending is not going away anytime soon. However, instead of painting a bleak future out of this and of our noble profession, I hope we will take this as a motivation to find innovative ways to spend less. By all means, let us reuse and recycle, look out for free resources, or collaborate with other people or groups. I realize this will not be easy for us, but the amount that we can save from reduced spending could even help us in other more important aspects of our profession, and that is our students!
What about you? Do you have other ways to cut on some costs when it comes to classroom spending? I would love to hear your take on this. Leave your comment below.
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