An annual study that asked K-12 teachers about their spending habits revealed that the average amount teachers spend on supplies (using their own money) is $500.

The study is the work of teacher verification provider SheerID and Agile Education Marketing and concluded that a majority of teachers spend more money on supplies than their own districts do.

"The teachers we surveyed were experiencing the aftershocks of budget cuts as more of the money spent on their classrooms came from their own pockets instead of their schools or districts," the study said. 

"The survey of 536 K-12 teachers found that 71 percent of respondents spent $200 or more out of pocket on school supplies, instructional materials and professional development for the 2014–2015 school year," said THEJournal.com

The survey also revealed an overwhelming amount of teachers specifically shop at places where they know teacher discounts are offered.

"89 percent of them will go out of their way to shop at stores that offer teacher discounts; 94 percent said they are more likely to shop at stores that offer teacher discounts," said THEJournal.

The study pointed to several businesses that teachers favored the most.

"Businesses like T-Mobile, Costco, Newegg, and many others– are offering teachers exclusive discounts to help our educators save money, and teachers are thankful for their help. The overwhelming majority feels valued by brands that offer teacher discounts and academic pricing, and they are more likely to shop in those stores."

Read the full article here and comment with your thoughts below.

Article by Nicole Gorman, Education World Contributor

07/24/2015