As families prepare for another school year, a new survey is highlighting how much teachers are spending from their own pockets to keep classrooms stocked. The survey found the median school supply budget provided to teachers by their schools is just $200. Nearly 97% of educators surveyed said that amount is not enough to meet their classroom needs.

Financial Strain on Teachers

Teachers say one of the biggest reasons they purchase supplies themselves is to make sure every student has the same opportunities in the classroom. More than 93% reported teaching students whose families cannot afford all of the necessary school supplies. Rising prices are also adding to the pressure, with 82% of teachers saying inflation and the increasing cost of classroom supplies are a concern.

According to Adopt A Classroom, Alabama teachers spend an average of $703 per year out of pocket on school supplies. Nationwide, the average teacher spent $895 during the 2024-2025 school year, a 49% increase from the $600 teachers reported spending in 2015.

Original reporting: The Tuscaloosa Thread — read the source article.