I’m all too familiar with the brand of pens that high school students prefer: those standard blue Bic pens that come in bulk packs. I know this because I end up purchasing them several times a year. “I’m running low on pens, love,” my partner, Mark, will mention, and I immediately recognize that my next trip to Target will involve stocking up on pens for his high school English class. Since it’s a writing-focused classroom, he prioritizes comfort, which means we regularly replenish our supply of pens and pencils.
Then there’s the issue of paper. The school district provides each teacher with a limited quota for copies. Mark uses his allotment to print necessary materials on the hefty laser printer in his classroom. Despite his best efforts to economize, he runs out of his quota midway through the semester. This leads to frequent trips to Office Depot for reams of paper, which, let me tell you, are not cheap. We typically purchase about two reams per semester.
Naturally, the massive laser printer eventually runs out of ink, prompting Amazon packages to arrive at our doorstep. These packages contain odd-looking, elongated items. “That’s my ink cartridge,” Mark will explain. “I was running low and had to Amazon Prime it.”
We are not alone in this struggle. Currently, teachers can claim a deduction of up to $250 for classroom supplies on their taxes. However, a recent report from Scholastic revealed that teachers spent an average of $530 out of their own pockets last year, with those in underprivileged schools shelling out nearly 40% more. Moreover, a 2013 study conducted by the National School Supply and Equipment Association found that while most teachers spend around $500, about 10% of them exceed $1,000 annually on supplies.
These figures far surpass the meager $250 deduction available to teachers. In a bid to push through the new tax bill, lawmakers have maintained the same $250 deduction for educators, striking a compromise between the Senate’s proposed $500 deduction and the House’s suggestion to eliminate it altogether. It’s important to note that this deduction only leads to a minor tax reduction, rather than a full reimbursement.
For individuals like my mother, who has taught for decades in a mostly affluent Catholic school, the situation is different. She possesses a wealth of decorations and teaching resources, and, I suspect, unlimited access to copies. In her environment, not having a pen indicates you forgot yours, rather than an inability to purchase one. While she might spend a bit more, it’s nothing that significantly impacts her finances. But she’s in the minority.
Mark estimates that we spend several hundred dollars each year on school supplies, encompassing everything from bookshelves and paper to pens, tissues, and food for classroom celebrations. We even set aside snacks for students who might need them. He keeps granola bars and pre-made sandwiches on hand, as it’s a necessity in his classroom. While we wouldn’t have it any other way, the expenses definitely add up.
It’s a troubling reality that we must face. Teachers often find themselves as the only individuals willing—or able—to support certain students. Driven by their dedication to their students, they step up. It’s a harsh truth in America, but it is a truth nonetheless. NPR recently surveyed teachers about their annual classroom spending, and the results were eye-opening.
We can all resonate with this sentiment. It’s essentially a call to action for those in positions of authority to recognize and address these challenges. If you’re interested in learning more about family planning, check out this insightful post on at-home insemination kits, which can be a valuable resource for those considering their options. For further information on pregnancy, the CDC provides excellent resources that you can explore.
In summary, teachers face significant out-of-pocket expenses for classroom supplies, far exceeding the minimal tax deductions available to them. Despite their dedication and willingness to support their students, the financial burden remains a pressing issue that requires attention and reform.