If anyone doubts the depth of budget cuts to public education in Georgia, glance at the holiday wish list of the state’s teachers — markers, paper towels and pencils.
That so many teachers — asked on my AJC education blog what their ideal holiday gift would be this year — cited classroom staples reflects the ongoing decimation of local school funding.
Teachers have always dug into their own pockets to outfit their classrooms.
Teachers in 2010 spent more than $1.33 billion out of pocket on school supplies and instructional materials for their classrooms, according to the National School Supply and Equipment Association.
In its survey, the association found that teachers on average shelled out $356 for such items as software, printer paper, arts and crafts supplies, pencils and glue. In comparison, the survey found that parents spent $19 per student on classroom supplies.
That’s probably why teachers listed many classroom basics on their holiday wish lists this year.
From my Get Schooled blog, under their chosen screen names, teachers share what they would like in their stockings this year:
TheRog: How about a letter to the editor of the local newspaper detailing the positive virtues of their child’s teacher?
Jordan Kohanim: Dry erase markers. I kill those bad boys. Those and scratch-and-sniff stickers are my holiday faves. My favorite gift was from a student who hand-made pillows for me. I still have them.
Michael: Gift cards to bookstores, office supply stores, Target or Wal-Mart are all welcomed gifts. Please no coffee cups. These are my recommendations, but always understand that any gift is appreciated by a teacher. It is the thought that counts.
Education Pitfalls: I would love my students’ parents to teach them how to show respect to their fellow classmates.
Dedicated: 1. Expos markers and 2. A promise that parents will get their children off Facebook and into bed at reasonable hours. 3. A well-stocked kitchen for my students so they will not come to school with a breakfast of Hot Cheetos or Krispy Kremes but something much more nutritious. 4. Support, support, support — make learning and being educated a high priority at home so that students will value education when they walk in the door.
Joy in Teaching: Copy paper. I have only four reams to last me for the rest of the school year.
Mac: Charitable donations for me — Special Olympics or something in that vein.
Middle School Teacher: Classrooms always need tissues, hand sanitizer, paper towels and pencils. Dull but always appreciated. Also cute or colorful office supplies (paper clips, binder clips, folders, notepads) are useful.
Longtime Educator: No one has mentioned card or board games for rainy days in elementary school.
Two more days: Printer cartridges. I received one black and one color ink cartridge to last the entire year. They were gone before Thanksgiving.
Lib in Cobb: Cooperative parents.
God Bless the Teacher: The fact I am even asked what I want is gift enough for me. However, I feel uncomfortable wanting to say anything since doing so may give the appearance I am being swayed by any gifts.
I know that’s not the intent by most givers, but we’re scrutinized for everything else we do and I don’t like the fact I feel as if someone may have an ulterior motive.
With that said, I’ll always welcome dry erase markers, gift cards to food places or home improvement stores, and cherubs who are polite and motivated each and every school day.
Just: Simply spread the word that teachers are under-paid, overworked and yet, they love the children and their jobs. Then ask, “Would you do it?” Also, applaud all of the school administrators who always get a hit on the chin. They also work tirelessly and love the children.
Historydawg: Most teachers would like a state Legislature and governor who support public education and learning that cannot simply be measured by a multiple-choice exam. Please.
About the Author
