It is a well-known fact that many teachers spend out of pocket money for school needs and supplies. I am no exception from this group. I have realized that it seems that lower grades teachers spend more out of pocket money than higher-grade teachers. There are more activities and projects to be completed in primary grades. This is partly due to teachers being self-contained and teaching across the curriculum.
In 2004, it was estimated that teachers spent an average of $458 out of their own pocket for school supplies and such. In 2006 the amount jumped to $552. Although teachers do receive a tax break and can save receipts for tax deductions, teaching can become costly (especially for first year teachers).
Many companies and stores are beginning to offer discounts and rewards for teachers. My school participates in Box Tops for Education. In this program, children bring in the Box Tops for Education symbol from various foods. The school earns money for each Box Top. Parent Teacher Organizations (PTO) can also help in many ways.
OfficeMax also has a program to aide teachers in school supply costs. The OfficeMax MaxPerks for Teachers program allows teachers to earn $10 for every $100 that students spend at OfficeMax. Through this program, teachers must complete an OfficeMax school supply list for their students. Teachers can also earn five percent back in credit for every $200 that they spend.
Target has a program that allows shoppers to choose a school to receive one percent of their Target card purchases. They can also designate one half percent on charges to the card made at other locations than Target. In addition, Kroger has a similar program with its gift cards.
Other specialty stores such as Teacher Heaven, Lakeshore Learning, and Crystal Children & Teacher Supply offer special discounts and programs for teachers.
Now That’s A Lot of Money Teachers and Nonreimbursed Spending
Serving in the Relief Society Teacher