With the first day of school right around the corner, many teachers across Louisiana are once again faced with a difficult balancing act on how to prepare their classrooms without breaking the bank.
Educational consultant with the Perfector Group, Demond Morton says the financial pressure on educators is reaching new levels this year.
Between budget shortfalls, inflation, and stagnant wages, many teachers have simply hit their limit.
“Teachers have always gone above and beyond, often spending their own money on supplies,” Morton said. “But there’s only so much more they can give.”
Morton says the average teacher contribution is expected to be about $250, but that doesn't go as far as it used to.
Some educators are turning to the public for help creating Amazon wishlists, launching crowdfunding campaigns, or asking for donations on social media to fill the gaps.
Others are being forced to make tough decisions about what they can do without.
“They’re having to separate what’s essential from what’s ideal,” Morton explained.
He says while teachers remain committed to their students, the burden of classroom funding should not rest solely on their shoulders.
“It’s not sustainable to keep asking teachers to do more with less,” Morton said. “We have to find better ways to support them because when we invest in teachers, we invest in students too.”
As the school year kicks off, Morton is encouraging community members to look for ways to support local classrooms whether that’s donating supplies, amplifying a teacher’s wish list, or simply recognizing the effort that goes into every new school year.
