Paid for by a Teacher

A lot of these help take a classroom from drab to fab!

It takes a lot of these to transform a classroom from drab to fab!

I remember way, waaaay back when I interviewed for a teaching job in a specific school district, I had to complete several essays. One of the essay questions was “Describe your ideal classroom.” In retrospect, it’s a ridiculous question. The likelihood of getting your ideal classroom is slim to none because of the lack of funds. Plus if you purchased everything you wanted yourself, you would have to eat Ramen noodles for the rest of your life. Don’t get me wrong, Ramen is yummy and reminds me fondly of college. But it’s naughty for you, and no one wants it every day.

Check out this article in the HuffPost British Columbia. It puts into perspective how much teachers purchase for their classrooms and the amount of work that goes into preparing the rooms. There are wonderful before-and-after photos! It’s clear that teachers are the best organizers and decorators around.

A tip for you: delight in the article and photos but don’t read the comments. They’ll make your blood pressure shoot through the roof. I find that I can’t read the comments on any online articles anymore. I’m trying my best to avoid becoming a snarky and negative person.

How much do you think you spent on your classroom this past year?

 


11 thoughts on “Paid for by a Teacher

  1. Too late! I already read the comments. I did enjoy the article though. I try to limit myself to $250 budget, but the reality is I then bring in lots if stuff “from home,” so it really comes to much more than that.

  2. I would have to say I spend about $250 or more on my classroom. School has only been out about 2 weeks so far and I have already starting buying things.

  3. You’re right… shouldn’t have read the comments, but your warning was like a big sign that said “Read Me!!” lol I used self-control though and did not respond! 🙂 Obviously most of those commenters have no clue!! :/

  4. LOL! Now I know why you suggested not reading the comments. Our teachers got $100 for next year to “spend real quick.” That may be all there is. EVERY thing else will come out of the teachers’ pockets or from Box Tops or classroom sponsorships.

    • I also worked as a bookkeeper for a private school after having been in a public school classroom, and my advice to teachers then (and now) is to spend your own money on those things you’d expect to take with you when you go (bulletin board borders, fabric wall coverings, nice shelves, rugs, bean bags, pillows for the reading corner, etc…) and use school funds (which include those funds from grants and classroom sponsorships) for consumables or things that must otherwise be replaced frequently.

  5. Last year I had a class of very poor students who came to school hungry every day. I brought in food every single day. At one point in the year, my husband informed me that I had already spent over $2000 on my classroom. I needed a lot of books, materials, book baskets, and food. No one realizes now much we spend. And we only get to claim $250 on our taxes.

  6. I probably spend a minimum of $300-$400 each year. That’s buying things on clearance, on sale, and bringing items from home. You’re right, many people outside of education have no idea how much comes out of our pocket, and it’s not that we make any more than other professions (it’s often much less!) But, we do what we need to do to take care of the needs of our students…and that’s why we do what we love! We may gripe about the amount of money we spend, but we would turn around and gladly do it over time and again for our students! ;o)

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