Teachers 6 ways to save money when buying stationery

**Interviewer:** I’m considering taking a teaching position, and I’m curious about how much teachers typically spend out of pocket on school supplies for their students. Can you provide some insight?

**Interviewee:** In the United States, it’s quite common for teachers to purchase learning materials for their students. According to the National Education Association, which represents the largest number of educators in the country, over 90% of teachers do this.

A survey by DonorsChoose involving over 2,500 public school teachers found that during the 2023-2024 school year, teachers spent an average of about $610 each on supplies.

Teachers primarily buy items that students need but can’t afford themselves. The most common items include basic supplies and occasional extras. For example, Valerie de la Rosa, a teacher at a Los Angeles high school, shared that over her 14 years of teaching, she’s purchased pens, pencils, tissues, paper, and notebooks. She has even bought backpacks, uniforms, jackets, and, in one instance, glasses for a student.

De la Rosa spends at least $500 annually on supplies, seeing it as an essential cost of being an effective educator, as children cannot learn without the necessary materials.

Unexpected expenses also arise. A 2024 survey by AdoptAClassroom.org revealed that 81% of teachers have at least one student who relies on them for food, hygiene products, or school supplies.

Jennifer Eisenreich, a former teacher and principal from Pittsburgh, noted that teachers often buy snacks for children who can’t afford them, along with mats and furniture. Some teachers even purchase plants, ambient lighting, carpets, books, underwear, socks, and disinfecting wipes. It’s also common for teachers to buy mini-fridges and microwaves if their classrooms lack staff offices.

Specialist teachers tend to spend more. Tiana Woolard, an eighth-grade science teacher in Maryland, mentioned that many teachers spend over $500 on basic supplies like pencils and notebooks, but those teaching subjects like science or physical education can easily spend over $2,000 each year.

First-year teachers often incur the highest expenses. Robert Draves, who teaches eighth-grade social studies, spent about $400 his first year five years ago, but now spends around $200 annually.

Jennifer Holt, founder of the “Happy Teacher Mom” blog from Tennessee, emphasized that one of the most important things teachers can do is create a warm learning environment. Many teachers invest their hard-earned money to decorate their classrooms and make them more inviting for students.

DiStefano-Lonzi mentioned that teachers primarily allocate funds for classroom setup, visual aids, and projects that create a positive learning atmosphere. As they get to know their students better, they often find certain supplies need to be replenished throughout the year.

Holt pointed out that it’s not uncommon for teachers to spend over $1,000 annually, with first-year expenses sometimes exceeding $2,000.

But is it really necessary for teachers to buy supplies for their students?

In reality, teachers aren’t obligated to purchase any learning materials for students, yet many choose to do so.

DiStefano-Lonzi argues that children should have what they need to succeed without feeling embarrassed when they lack necessary items; however, schools frequently lack the budget to provide essential supplies for every classroom.

Hamlet Hernandez, an assistant professor of education at Quinnipiac University, identified the root of the problem: public school funding is limited and primarily allocated for salaries, insurance, and other operational costs, leaving little to no budget for purchasing school supplies systematically.

Teachers often don’t earn a lot. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for kindergarten and elementary school teachers is $63,670.

A recent survey by Study.com involving 500 teachers revealed that 83% reported that rising costs affect their ability to purchase essentials, up from 69% in 2023.

Teachers can consider several strategies to help cover the costs of school supplies.

First, they can seek assistance from the nonprofit organization DonorsChoose, which many teachers trust. By posting a project on their website describing what they want to teach and what materials they need, teachers can receive direct donations.

Teachers can also access state funding through DonorsChoose. For example, the governor of Colorado recently allocated $2.7 million through the platform, with educators eligible for up to $600 to support projects for the 2024-2025 school year.

Second, using Amazon Wish Lists can be effective. Teachers can create wish lists of items on the retail site and share them on social media, allowing friends, family, and community members to help purchase and share costs.

Third, teachers should look into grants available for educators. Many nonprofits offer funding opportunities.

Fourth, other organizations also raise funds to buy school supplies, and a number of nonprofits directly provide materials to children to offset teachers’ costs. For instance, the Kids in Need Foundation partners with dozens of organizations across the country to distribute school supplies, while United Way conducts regular donation drives at the start of the school year.

Fifth, teachers should keep their receipts for tax purposes. Mark Steber, Chief Tax Information Officer at Jackson Hewitt, specified that teachers and educators can deduct up to $300 for qualified out-of-pocket classroom expenses, applicable to those working at least 900 hours in a school year from kindergarten through 12th grade, which includes teachers, counselors, principals, and assistants.

Finally, purchasing discounted items is a practical approach. Retailers like Walmart sometimes offer savings, and Dollar Tree is a go-to store for affordable supplies.