Last Tuesday I received an exciting email from the United Federation of Teachers (UFT) announcing the expanding of the Teacher's Choice program from last year's minimal contribution of $56 to a much larger amount of $122. This program allows teachers (like me) to spend up the designated amount on school supplies and not have to spend from our own pockets. This is only about 20% of what the average teacher spends in a regular school year ($513 based on this Forbes article) but it definitely helps.
What is interesting is that this program at one point provided $220 for an individual teacher to spend on school supplies. In 2011 the city budget was amended and cut the program entirely. It is lucky that over the past few years the program has inched forward again to support teachers across the city.
When I talk to friends about having to purchase paper each year (and waiting for Staples to provide a bonus deal that they usually do in August/September) they give me wide eyes, explaining that their office supply manager just restocks paper when it is used in the copy room. I wish this were the case in schools across New York City. Instead, we worry about nit-picking every purchase to maximize their utility. My school is lucky to have some annual grants we receive and donations from connected companies/organizations, but most schools do not have this and need the support.
I hope this year to learn more about budget constraints and to be able to advocate for better money use.
What is interesting is that this program at one point provided $220 for an individual teacher to spend on school supplies. In 2011 the city budget was amended and cut the program entirely. It is lucky that over the past few years the program has inched forward again to support teachers across the city.
When I talk to friends about having to purchase paper each year (and waiting for Staples to provide a bonus deal that they usually do in August/September) they give me wide eyes, explaining that their office supply manager just restocks paper when it is used in the copy room. I wish this were the case in schools across New York City. Instead, we worry about nit-picking every purchase to maximize their utility. My school is lucky to have some annual grants we receive and donations from connected companies/organizations, but most schools do not have this and need the support.
I hope this year to learn more about budget constraints and to be able to advocate for better money use.
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