For the Media

How Much Do Educators Spend Out-Of-Pocket Each Year? Hint: It’s More Than 9 Figures

How Much Do Educators Spend Out-Of-Pocket Each Year? Hint: It’s More Than 9 Figures

Photo by Flickr user KristinNador

In June, the National School Supply and Equipment Association (NSSEA) published their annual study about teachers’ out-of-pocket spending, and the results may shock some.

The study found that, on average, teachers spent $485 from their own pockets on basic school supplies throughout the last school year.

It is estimated that, as a whole, public school educators spent $1.6 billion on educational materials and supplies for their classrooms. This number comes from the total estimated $3.2 billion spent on education products, which leaves educators swallowing more than half the costs.

Share your thoughts: do these results surprise you?

Right now, you can help an educator receive the materials they need by funding a project on DonorsChoose.org. We’ll even match any donation you make to a NEA members’ project. Make your dollars go twice as far by giving today!