Comments on: Office Max and Staples: Teacher Appreciation Days

By: candace

candace — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 12:24:48 +0000

I had no idea teachers spent so much of their own money until I became one! This year it may be especially true since many schools have a smaller budget due to the economy and can pay for even fewer classroom items. Send in the gift cards! (GCs to Walmart and Target are good, too, for non-school supply items like special snacks for students, classroom pet food, etc.).

By: Debbie

Debbie — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 03:35:44 +0000

I think $1200 is a conservative estimate. My sister-in-law has been teaching elementary school for about 14 years and every year she spends so much on her students. Many come from very low income homes or their parents don’t speak English, so she just feels lucky that they’re in class. We’re always on the lookout for deals she can take advantage of.

By: Kristin

Kristin — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 03:12:30 +0000

Thanks for making people aware of this. I don’t spend that much every year, but have in the past. All those fun things we do in our elementary classrooms are usually paid for out of the teacher’s pockets…parent Christmas presents, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day gifts, etc.

By: Shelly

Shelly — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 21:58:03 +0000

Amen to that! I don’t spend quite that much thanks to a great PTO and my frugal shopping skills, but it ads up quickly. This year I will have 26 or 27 students.