Teachers should not have to pay for school supplies

Doctors and nurses don’t buy syringes and bandages for hospitals. Teachers shouldn’t have to buy school supplies out of their own pockets. 

Discretionary funds used to be available for equipment, posters, rewards and other things that made classrooms more positive and friendly places to learn.

But large boards like the TDSB are increasingly stretched just to keep going. More and more, teachers dip into their own pockets to buy markers, science supplies, etc. A recent CBC news report said teachers are spending up to $1,000 a year for so-called “extras” -- art and drama materials. 

Meanwhile the Wynne government cut spending by about 0.6 per cent in 2015/16 and 0.1 per cent in 2016/17. Where does that leave classrooms and kids?

I think it means a closer focus on EQAO outcomes -- and less money for so-called frills that we know are needed.  

Teachers shouldn’t have to pick up the slack from government austerity and spend their own money to run classrooms. Let’s fight to preserve teachers’ ability to make their classrooms friendly and stimulating places.

Ask your colleagues what they think? Talk to each other ...support each other.

...and then let me know what they said!

Nigel