D.C. Schools Give Teachers Gift Cards to Purchase Classroom Supplies

[TexasTowelie]

Washington, D.C., Public Schools administrators are giving teachers $200 gift cards to use for purchasing classroom supplies.

The program helps reduce out-of-pocket expenses for teachers who buy supplies to decorate or equip their classrooms for students.

Teachers nationwide are expending an increasing amount of personal cash to outfit their rooms or students with supplies, according to a series of private surveys by school supply marketers and vendors. The average teacher spent almost $500 out-of-pocket last year, according to the Education Market Association report.

The costs are particularly impactful in the D.C.-area, where housing and transportation costs are high, according to Frederick County Public Schools teacher union President Missy Dirks.

Read more: http://www.nbcwashington.com/investigations/School-Classroom-Supplies-Expense-442903933.html

[bleedingulcers]

1. Could we just fund schools adequately?

Maybe build one fewer fighter jet per decade, and instead of spending the money there, spend it on silly things like notebooks, pencils, pens etc.?

I know, I'm crazy...

[justhanginon]

2. When republicans are in power education is pretty far down on the

list of priorities. I think the reasons are pretty obvious when you look at this administration we are saddled with.

[BigmanPigman]

3. I was given a "gift" as a teacher one year

then later I learned it was to buy supplies for my class. Some "gift". CA is 48 out of 50 states as far as spending per student! Not many people know that fact. When I became a teacher my "master teacher" during student teaching told me to never spend my own money on school supplies and to put my own money into disability each month (teachers do not get disability insurance). She is/was very wise and I passed her advice onto others over the years. Too many teachers easily spend thousands out of pocket yet, work 10 hour days, etc and get very low pay considering the education and experience they have as career professionals.