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I may not be a teacher myself, but I’m surrounded by them. My grandmothers, dad, two siblings, a sister-in-law, and even my neighbor are all educators. (And let me tell you, they are all incredible!) Back-to-school shopping has always had two aspects for me: the supplies my daughters need for their classes and the essentials their teachers require for theirs.
Whether it’s creating an engaging classroom environment or stocking up on basics like dry-erase boards and notebooks, parents aren’t the only ones hitting the stores for school supplies. While some people view teachers as superhuman, capable of instilling knowledge and values like kindness and empathy, it’s unfair to expect them to also act as decorators and personal shoppers.
Moreover, with the challenges posed by Covid-19, any items teachers buy for their classrooms now face stringent cleaning protocols. Is it really fair to ask educators to invest in materials that could be ruined? Absolutely not. A teacher I spoke with recently mentioned that they would be doing much less this year since any paper items must be laminated for sanitation. Do you know how pricey lamination is? Decorating is probably the last thing on many teachers’ minds right now. Instead, they often purchase basic supplies like folders, notebooks, classroom reading materials, and even snacks.
What Are They Spending On?
Schools vary widely in their supply requirements, even within the same district. For example, the school my daughters attend disregards the district’s supply list almost entirely. Teachers send out their own lists based on what they’ve already bought or activities they plan to implement. When I shared the supply list with other teachers, they laughed; they also find themselves purchasing food to stock their classroom cupboards for students who rely on school meals. Other common items include reams of paper and even winter gear like mittens and coats.
Let’s be clear: teachers are not parents. While a parent might occasionally forget to send an item, some educators deal with this on a daily basis. For many students, the classroom is a safe haven where they receive meals and warmth. Teachers recognize that without addressing their students’ basic needs first, the impact of their teaching diminishes significantly. The financial burden teachers bear goes far beyond their contractual obligations.
If This is the Expectation, Pay Teachers Fairly
Maybe it’s time to consider fair compensation for teachers. It’s no secret that teaching isn’t a profession typically associated with wealth. Educators are motivated by their passion for shaping young minds, not financial gain.
For far too long, teachers have been undervalued and taken for granted. Their contributions to our children’s lives are immeasurable. Over the past year and a half, they’ve been expected to adapt to unprecedented challenges — from transitioning to at-home learning to managing the complexities of both in-person and virtual education while also prioritizing their health.
If schools expect teachers to fulfill these multifaceted roles, they need to compensate them adequately. Currently, teachers can only deduct $250 for classroom expenses on their taxes, which is frankly absurd. With an average class size of 25 students, why would teachers spend more than $10 per student throughout the year? It’s because they genuinely care about creating a positive experience for their students.
This issue is not new; educators have been dedicating extra time, effort, and money to our children’s education for decades. Recently, they’ve faced the added strain of a global pandemic. Is this acceptable? Not at all. We must examine how government funds are allocated at state and local levels and why so many teachers are relied upon to fill the gaps.
As a parent, I see you, teachers. If there are additional supplies you need, please ask. Want to organize a special classroom event? Just send out a request. I believe many parents would be eager to support you. After all, isn’t that one of the best ways to show gratitude for the work you do with our children five days a week?
For more insights on navigating the journey of parenthood, check out this excellent resource on pregnancy and our guide on artificial insemination. You can also explore our post on vegan desserts for a delicious treat!
Summary
Teachers have been under immense pressure, especially over the past 18 months, and it’s unreasonable to expect them to fund their classrooms out of pocket. They often spend their own money on supplies and essentials that go beyond basic teaching materials. Fair compensation for their dedication and hard work is necessary if schools expect them to fulfill these roles. Parents should support teachers and engage in their classrooms.
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