We know educators do so much more than teach lessons, perform extra duties and grade papers. A new study by AdoptAClassroom.org, a nonprofit donor organization, confirms that in addition to your time (for example, waiting with students for late parents) and talents (for example, hemming a pair of pants) teachers give of their paychecks.
“Ninety-one percent of the 1,188 public, private, and charter school teachers surveyed buy basic school supplies for their students, 67 percent purchase food or snacks to help their students meet basic nutritional needs, and 30 percent buy gloves, hats, jackets, and other warm clothes for their students to wear to school,” according to this Education Week Blog. “The findings also indicate that 18 percent of teachers buy personal-care items, such as toothbrushes and sanitary products, for their students and that 29 percent buy hygiene items like toilet paper and soap.”
Further the article states, 50 percent of surveyed teachers paid field trip costs for students who might otherwise not be able to go, 28 percent bought items for their classrooms and students such as computers and furniture for the classroom, bus fare and lunch money, prom tickets, eyeglasses, haircuts, and school uniforms.
It doesn’t end there. Teachers don’t just purchase classroom and personal items, the article states. “One teacher wrote, "I helped pay for a casket for the family of one of my students." Another teacher noted, "Every year that I have a pregnant student(s), I buy them some baby necessities before their due date.”
In no other profession, would a CEO or superior tie their subordinates shoes, listen to their problems or make sure they've eaten. Teachers are different. Teachers are filling the gap and going above and beyond to tackle the social issues, including homelessness and poverty in their communities.
We would love to hear from you. In what ways have you given of your time, talent and finances to your students?
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