Are parents having to pay for teachers teaching supplies?

Question

This is not a debate over whether or not teachers are overpayed, so please don't respond if you are going to give me that arguement. I personally dont know anything about teachers salaries. My question is about the supplies that parents are being made to buy. I have noticed that some of the supplies seems to be things for the teachers : dry erase markers, red marking pens, etc. And some seem to be in abundance: 3 packs of pencils, 2 boxes of crayons. I would think that these things would be sent as they run out, but my son said that last year he had to put most of the supplies I bought him in a bulk box so that they could be shared. This seems like I am buying supplies for my son and any other students who needs them, as well as for the teacher. I thought that the school provided the teachers with this stuff. Am I wrong?

Let me clarify: I thought the cost of the teachers supplies came from the taxes that parents paid each year. I didn't know that we were expected to buy things in addition to the taxes we pay.

No I am not referring to my sons actual supplies, I am talking about supplies for the classroom and things that the teacher to use like chalk, dry erase markers, and grading pens.

I dont feel that it is anyone elses responsibility to pay for may sons school supplies. I get the list every year, but I buy for him and him alone. That may sound selfish, but I am not responsible for other peoples children. Also my tax money should pay for anything that is used for classroom use. I am not asking that anyone else be responsible for my childs personal supplies.

Answer 1

wow, ive never heard of that, why would a child need dry erase markers? i personally wouldnt buy them, i would buy the things that seemed necessary and if i missed something then i would buy it. but 2 boxes of crayons, that is rediculous, what do they think that parents grow money on trees? just buy what you think is necessary and leave all the other junk out. you shouldnt be providing the whole class with supplies, everyone should supply their own stuff.

Answer 2

This is a trend that I've noticed just the last couple of years. On the bottom of my childrens lists this year there was a notation to buy at least two of the following items and went on to list items such as hand sanatizer and dry erase markers that would be for teacher and classroom use. With the rate of tax increases it seems like the teachers would have a budget for this type of thing. What really irritates me is that they request a specific brand that is always the most expensive. Seems they should be happy to get whatever the parent buys.

Answer 3

Yes. I graduated last year and you wouldn't believe how much kids still from their classes. Markers, crayons, scissors, glue, glue sticks, colored pencils, etc. whatever they can stick in their bag. Most of the time teachers are buying those supplies with their own money therefore they make the parents buy em. But me personally I never had a teacher that made the class put their items in a box and share them....what we pay for we kept in our bag.Also, I never heard of parents having to buy DRY ERASE markers even though students still those too. Call the teacher let em now that you won't buy items like dry erase makers but anything that "your" son needs go ahead and buy. Also tell the teacher that you want your son to keep the items you buy not put em in a big box.

Answer 4

When school districts lack funds then the teachers must buy the supplies themselves.

The schools are not getting enough tax revenue to educate your children because voters keep opting to cut taxes. Is it too much to ask that parents chip in a little extra?

Why don't you volunteer your time as well and help out at least once a month. The teacher could use your help grading papers, organizing projects, tutoring students who are behind and doing special activities with the students who are ahead and getting bored.

A parent tax would be a good thing. I donate $20 a month to the local elemantary school in my neighborhood even though I don't have any children. Support your community.

If you want a glimpse into what teachers are requesting, take a look at http://www.donorschoose.org/

Answer 5

Yes, I did buy stuff last year that went to the teachers. I also sent more dry erase markers to the teachers several times throughout the year so that they wouldn't run out. I live in an affluent district, but the teachers still aren't given enough supplies. I guess i would rather buy them than have them not be there. I would also rather have all the supplies be used communally in case there is a child who is too poor to buy them. I don't want any child singled out, especially when I have thought it was going to be my child a few times.

Answer 6

I think maybe as for the pencils and crayons. Maybe children lose them frequently. Or maybe there are some children that cannot afford these items and the teacher asks for things to help those students rather than putting them on the spot for not having them. I would think the sharing thing to be good as it teaches children to share with others who are not as fortunate as they are. I would ask the teacher if some of the things were really a necessity. I agree the dry erase markers are expensive and excessive for a child who stil uses crayons..

Answer 7

I had to buy copy paper, red pens, dry erase markers, hand sanitizer, Kleenex, permanent markers, red pencils, etc. I am a home owner and pay my property taxes so I almost feel I am paying my dues twice, BUT in my opinion the extra $10-40 I spend per child to make sure the teachers/students have the supplies they need is worth it to me.

Answer 8

I believe that the school district should provide these items for both the teachers and ultimately for the students. I do feel that parents should provide some school supplies for their children but to place them in a community box is absurd. It does promote sharing and teamwork on a minor level, but is unfair to students and parents of a lower income demographic. If you are still uncertain, question your school board directly, they are the administration responsible for educating your child and providing a value added education. I would not confront the teacher on this issue as they are underpaid for the most part and the administration is *typically* WELL compensated.

Answer 9

Teachers get a certain amount to spend on supplies, never enough to cover what is acutally needed. I would rather send a few extra boxes of crayons and pencils than have my child miss out on a learning experience because the teacher didn't have adequate supplies to teach the lesson.

Answer 10

Yes, you're wrong that schools supply enough supplies.

Many teachers have to buy their own supplies out of their own very low salaries because the schools don't have the money to supply them.

When you say "things for the teachers: dry erase markers" etc. it's not like the teachers are selling these things to fund trips to Tahiti. They are using them to teach your child and all other children.

It's wrong, but until we adequately and fairly fund schools, it's the way things are.

(BTW, I'm not a teacher, myself, but have worked with teachers and am familiar with these problems.)