Teachers Say They Spend Hundreds on Classroom Supplies Amid Inflation, Cost-of-Living Struggles

As teachers return to classrooms this year, many say the cost of supplies is taking a heavier toll on their wallets. In a recent Study.com survey of 500 educators, 83 percent said inflation in the United States has affected their ability to purchase necessary classroom items. The 2024 survey results represent a 14 percent increase from 2023. Last year, the organization asked 367 teachers the same questions related to out-of-pocket expenditures for classrooms. Insights from this year’s Study.com poll also found that 64 percent of respondents had to forego personal items to cover classroom expenses. Sixty percent said their spending on classroom supplies has increased over the past three years while nine out of 10 educators reported they continue facing financial hardship from back-to-school supply costs....