I’m not an educator myself, but teachers are a significant part of my life. My two grandmothers, father, two siblings, a sister, and even my neighbor are all teachers. (And let me tell you, they’re absolute legends!) This connection means that back-to-school shopping has always been a two-part process for me: first, gathering what my daughters need, and second, considering what the amazing educators in my life require for their classrooms.
From classroom decorations to engage students to essential supplies like dry-erase boards and notebooks, it’s not just parents doing the shopping. Some people might think of teachers as super-human, imparting knowledge in reading, writing, and arithmetic while also teaching kindness and empathy. But really, do we expect them to double as interior designers and personal shoppers? Absolutely not.
The pandemic has only complicated matters further. Any items teachers bring into their classrooms must go through strict cleaning protocols. Is it fair to expect teachers to purchase supplies that could be damaged? Certainly not. One teacher I recently spoke with shared that they plan to do far less this year because any paper materials need to be laminated for sanitation. And let’s be real—lamination isn’t cheap! Decorating classrooms is far from the top priority for many teachers. Instead, they often find themselves buying basic supplies like folders and notebooks, along with snacks to support students who rely on school meals.
What Are They Buying?
Every school has different requirements, even within the same district. For instance, my daughters’ school completely disregards the district’s supply list. Teachers send their own customized lists based on what they need for their planned activities. Meanwhile, educators at other schools chuckle at the discrepancies; they buy essentials like notebooks and folders, and even food for students who may not have enough to eat at home. They also purchase reams of paper for printing after exceeding their allocated amounts, as well as mittens and coats for those in need.
Let’s be clear: teachers are not parents. It’s one thing for a parent to occasionally forget an item. But many teachers face daily challenges as some students find their most stable environment in the classroom, where they can feel safe and nourished. Understanding Maslow’s hierarchy of needs reveals that without fulfilling students’ basic needs, effective teaching becomes impossible. The expenses teachers incur go far beyond their contractual agreements.
If This is the Expectation, Pay Teachers What They Deserve, or Step Aside
Here’s a thought: why not pay teachers a fair salary? We all know that teaching isn’t a path to wealth. Educators are driven by passion and a commitment to making a difference in students’ lives. Yet, they have long been undervalued and underappreciated. Their contributions are invaluable, especially in the last year and a half, as they adapted to unprecedented challenges, from creating at-home curricula during lockdown to managing hybrid learning environments while risking their health.
If schools expect teachers to educate our children, provide food, and even supply clothing, then they should compensate them adequately. The current tax deduction for teachers is just $250—seriously? With an average class size of 25, it hardly makes sense for educators to spend more than $10 per student throughout the school year. Yet, they do so because they genuinely care about their students’ experiences and education.
This struggle isn’t new; teachers have historically gone above and beyond for decades, and the global pandemic has only intensified these challenges. Is this acceptable? Absolutely not. We need to scrutinize how government funds are allocated and why so many educators are left to bridge the gaps.
As a parent of school-aged children, I see you, teachers. If you need extra supplies or want to organize a special classroom activity, please reach out. I’m certain many parents would be eager to help. After all, isn’t supporting our teachers one of the best ways to express gratitude for the care they provide our children?
For more insights on related topics, check out this other blog post.
Summary:
Teachers have faced immense challenges over the past 18 months, often spending their own money on classroom supplies while navigating the complexities of the pandemic. The expectation for teachers to fulfill roles beyond education, such as providing food and basic necessities for their students, highlights a critical need for fair compensation. Parents are encouraged to support educators by contributing to classroom supplies or activities, recognizing the invaluable service teachers provide.