House Republicans have just passed a bill through the House Ways and Means committee that, should it be approved by the full House, will make the nation's teachers eligible for a tax credit of up to $250 for purchasing their own supplies.

"The tax credit, which would be adjusted with inflation, would be available to any K-12 teacher, instructor, counselor, principal, or aide who purchases supplies, equipment or software to be used in the classroom. The credit could also be applied to the cost of professional development," said The Washington Post.

While teachers were formerly offered such an option, that option had expired in January and "had not been indexed for inflation."

The new legislation could provide a permanent solution to the growing problem of the nation's teachers being forced to spend out-of-pocket expenses on necessary supplies for the classroom.

“'This tax deduction is timely, permanent, and will go a long way toward making sure educators continue to provide what students need to succeed,' said Lily Eskelsen García, president of the National Education Association, the nation’s largest teachers union," according to The Post.

Indeed, the average teacher spends just under $500 on school supplies throughout the school year in order to take care of his or her classes' needs as budget issues restrict schools and districts from offering more help.

Teachers frequently are forced to turn to crowdfunding endeavors through sites like Donors Choose in order to provide their students with simple yet necessary things such as gym equipment and supplies for intended projects.

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

Article by Nicole Gorman, Education World Contributor

09/18/2015