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Teachers Spending Personal Funds for Supplies

Wednesday, December 6, 2006

By Ana Tintocalis and KPBS Public Broadcasting

Audio

Aired 4/19/09

A new study finds more educators are taking out their wallets to pay for classroom supplies and materials for their students. KPBS Reporter Ana Tintocalis has more.

The national report finds teachers in grades kindergarten through fifth grade spend more money compared to middle and high school educators. On average an elementary school teacher spends close to $540 each year. They spend most of their money on children's books, teacher handbooks and classroom decoration. San Diego's teachers union president Camille Zombro says new teachers are spending the most because school districts don't supply them with the necessary furniture, supplies and materials. 

Camille Zombro: Newer teachers are spending money on all sorts of things. You know a couch for the classroom, pocket calendars, pointers...

San Diego school officials say they do provide teachers with all the basics. They say many teachers choose to spend their own money to create their own unique classroom experience. Ana Tintocalis, KPBS News.

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