I know the exact type of pen that high school students favor: those classic blue Bic pens that come in bulk packs of fifty. I know this because I find myself purchasing them at least three times each semester.
“Hey, I’m running low on pens,” my husband will casually mention, prompting me to add a pack to my shopping list for the next trip to Target. He teaches English to high schoolers, and he wants them to feel at ease while writing, so I stock up on pens and pencils a few times a year.
Then there’s the issue of paper. The school district allocates a certain number of copies per teacher, but my husband, Jake, exhausts his allotment halfway through the semester, no matter how frugally he tries to manage. Consequently, we find ourselves making trips to the local office supply store for reams of paper, which certainly don’t come cheap — we usually grab about two per semester.
Of course, the giant laser printer in his classroom needs ink too. Soon enough, Amazon packages arrive at our doorstep containing peculiar-looking, elongated cartridges. “That’s my ink,” Jake explains. “I’m running low and had to order it with Prime.”
Our family is not unique in this regard. Currently, teachers can deduct up to $250 for classroom supplies on their taxes. However, a recent report from Scholastic revealed that teachers spent an average of $530 of their own money last year — and those in high-poverty schools often spent nearly 40% more. A study from the National School Supply and Equipment Association in 2013 showed that while most teachers spent around $500, 10% were shelling out over $1,000 annually from their own pockets.
Clearly, these figures far exceed the meager $250 tax deduction available. In an attempt to push through a new tax bill, lawmakers managed to keep this outdated deduction intact, opting for a middle ground between a proposed $500 deduction and its complete elimination. It’s crucial to note that this deduction doesn’t provide a dollar-for-dollar reimbursement; it merely results in a minimal tax reduction.
This meager deduction might suffice for someone like my aunt, who teaches at a well-funded private school with extensive resources. She has access to an array of decorations and teaching materials, along with seemingly unlimited printing privileges. In her situation, running out of pens usually means a personal oversight rather than a funding issue. However, she’s in the minority.
Jake estimates that we spend several hundred dollars annually on school supplies, which encompasses everything from bookshelves to tissues and even snacks for holiday parties. It also includes food for students who may not have the means to bring their own. He keeps granola bars and pre-made sandwiches in his fridge, deeming it essential. While we’re happy to provide this support, the expenses do accumulate.
It’s a harsh reality that demands attention: teachers often become the lifeline for their students. Out of love and commitment, they step in to fill gaps that others overlook. A survey by NPR asking teachers about their annual spending painted a stark picture of the issue.
In conclusion, educators are spending far too much of their own money to ensure their classrooms are equipped for effective learning. It’s a situation that needs addressing, as the current system places an unfair burden on those who are dedicated to nurturing the next generation.
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