Teachers Funding Classroom Supplies
Heading back to school is an exciting time for many; teachers, students, staff, and parents. Students are full of anticipation of which teacher they will get or will their friends be in their class?! However, it can also cause feelings of stress and frustration about getting the appropriate supplies needed, for both parents and teachers.
Classroom supply funding has decreased by tens of millions of dollars over the past decade, according to the News and Observer. Although it has increased some over the last year, it still isn’t enough to cover what is needed for our students. In 2011, funding for school supplies was cut in half by state lawmakers, from about $60 per student, to $30. Beginning this school year, it will be about $40 per student.
As stated in The New York Times, according to a federal Department of Education survey, 94% of public school teachers in the United States reported paying for supplies without reimbursement. On average, they spent $479 of their own money. Seven percent reported spending over $1000. It made little difference whether they taught in cities, suburbs or rural area, or whether or not their students were financially disadvantaged. Virtually, every public school teacher said they had used their own money for their classrooms.
The Chatham Education Foundation seeks to help relieve some of the burden from our teachers. Each year, CEF awards creative teaching grants. These grants are used to help facilitate creative projects at either the classroom, grade or school level. We want to help improve the learning opportunities for our Chatham County students and invest in our future!
CEF takes the approach that by helping teachers succeed, maintaining and increasing retention, and limiting the number of long-term substitutes or open teaching positions we are providing opportunities for sustainable, strong and consistent classrooms. Chatham Education Foundation is aware that an effective teacher has successful students! We are therefore committed to providing resources to allow our teachers to continue to grow. We offer numerous teacher scholarships every school year to help the teachers succeed!
Chatham Education Foundation seeks to open doors to education and personal growth for all students in Chatham county. By partnering with community residents, businesses, and foundations, CEF is improving education opportunities for Chatham County Schools students.
