Parents and teachers are struggling financially as the new school year kicks off.
According to recent studies, instructors are increasingly paying for classroom supplies out of pocket. Over 90% of American teachers, according to the National Education Association, spend their own money on necessary materials. According to Corey Gordon, CEO of the Kids in Need Foundation, it is anticipated that teachers will spend an average of $800 or more from their own funds during the 2023–2024 school year, which is equal to one to two paychecks annually.
The rising cost of living makes it more difficult for instructors to make ends meet. Crucial school supplies like crayons, pens, and pencils have seen an increase in price of roughly 19 percent since last year. Another study, “Study Dot Com,” discovered that due to ongoing inflation, nearly 70% of teachers have trouble paying for supplies. To make sure they have the supplies for their pupils, many instructors have turned to purchasing products at a discount during sales.
This financial situation coincides with the nation’s rising teacher shortage dilemma. Increasing numbers of teachers are quitting their jobs because of inadequate pay and other issues. In February 2023, there were almost 150,000 more job opportunities in public education than there were new employees, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
In order to close the gap and guarantee that pupils receive a decent education, teachers across the country have launched a nationwide request for vital school supplies. This is a result of the combined impact of high living costs and inflation.
The 2023 back-to-school season highlights the mounting financial stress on teachers, who are increasingly footing the bill for the expense of school supplies. It is becoming more difficult for educators to manage their finances due to rising costs for essential school supplies and continued inflation. As a result of financial difficulties, educators are leaving their positions, aggravating the U.S. teacher shortage dilemma.
