California Teachers Pay More than Ever For Classroom Supplies

by Sara Bernard · 2010-10-16 07:00:00 +0100
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The fact that teachers pay a significant amount out-of-pocket to do their jobs is hardly news. But in California, the cuts are so severe that even Time magazine can't help but notice: Teachers are asking businesses to donate logo-inscribed pens, entering supply-store competitions to win materials, and generally scrounging for funds and freebies just to get hold of the bare minimum to do their jobs. In some cases, classroom costs to teachers have risen to $1,500 a year.

Even custodial services are being cut, so teachers have to put in extra hours just to keep the space clean (not to mention dealing with layoffs and bigger class sizes). Teachers are even heading to websites like DonorsChoose.org to leverage some compassion for their lot. It's appalling.

Sadly, California is not alone. A study by the National School Supply and Equipment Association reported that U.S. educators spent $1.33 billion out of pocket in instructional materials during the 2009-2010 school year.

Public education should be publicly funded. Teachers shouldn't have to grovel for their most basic classroom needs. Where does the money go? Why has it come to this?

California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell seems sympathetic; he's quoted as saying that these extraordinary lengths teachers are taking sends a message to the students, too, who "will question whether the state values public education." Exactly.

Can O'Connell do something more than sympathize? Please show your support for California's teachers and students by signing this petition to O'Connell and the California Department of Education.

Photo credit: stevendepolo

Sara Bernard is a former staff writer and multimedia producer for Edutopia magazine.
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