Do you spend lots of $$$ throughout the year???

I am reading "The First Days of School" by Harry Wong -- which I HIGHLY recommend! You might not need it though since you've actually experienced the first days and have your own system down but I am clueless!

Anyhow, it says not to overdecorate the classroom and to be mindful of how much you spend throughout the year because it could get really expensive.

How much do you put into the classroom out of pocket? Is it really that much?

Re: Do you spend lots of $$$ throughout the year???

First year, over $1,000.

Second, less than that.

Third, less than THAT.

Before I go nuts now, I think about how much we are getting reimbursed aand go from there. After a while, you don't need so much just things that need replacing.

As for the Harry Wong book, I re-read it every year. It's a great book!

Re: Do you spend lots of $$$ throughout the year???

Harry Wong is a great book, with a lot of good advice.

My first year I didn't spend a lot on decorations (I share rooms with other teachers) but I spent money on buying supplies and things for the kids. But then I wised up and started stocking up on the Staples freebies.

FYI: When Staples has a free item, show teacher ID and you can get 25 of them for free.

Re: Do you spend lots of $$$ throughout the year???

Depends on lots of factors. A major factor being how much money you get in your budget. I spent the most last year when my district gave me very very little.

Re: Do you spend lots of $$$ throughout the year???

I really, really limit myself and I think I probably spend a couple hundred without even thinking about it. I inherited tons of stuff from retiring teachers - so make friends! Also I enjoy finding ways to make things instead of buying them. For example last summer I created my own poster size graphic organizers and laminated them for use over and over. It can be time consuming but you get exactly what you want. You will definitely have to spend money the first couple years though, just try to spend it wisely.

Re: Do you spend lots of $$$ throughout the year???

I used to now I limit myself to less than $100 and only buy items that I use personally.

We do not get a dime for ANYTHING supply related at all.... not one pen, not one bottle of white out... I've been requesting the same DVD series for 7 years and it has beeen axed in every budget. Overheads (yeah, I don't have a smartboard or a projector) are $30 a box.

I don't know of any other profession that is told to take a part of their own salary and help pay for work related supplies.

Now that I own a home and have two kids in daycare, the money could be used for countless other things.

Re: Do you spend lots of $$$ throughout the year???

There is a great website www.Donorschoose.org where you can write quick grants. It is really easy to use and many projects get fulfilled!

Took me 5 minutes and last year I got a personal copier, a lap top, books, and this year, I am waiting on a camera.

Re: Do you spend lots of $$$ throughout the year???

I spend the most in aiugust- getting ready for a new class.

I buy things like nameplates, binders for a folder system I use, new markers/crayons for the class, glue etc.
My mom is a big help and hunts down pre-school sales and stocks up for me.

My 1st year was insane- I bought posters, teacher workbooks, a fridge, radio, dvd/vcr etc that I didnt have in my room.
Now I only buy a treat/rewards over a few months. I buy my class $1 books for holidays and small toys/games for my reward system.

I get no $ from the school or district so its all out of pocket.

Re: Do you spend lots of $$$ throughout the year???

Oh Thank You for your insight!!!!

I think my first year, I will go nuts but everyone tells me yard sales are a teachers friend and there are so many here in SC weekly.

I am also a bargain shopper (but somewhat impulsive too!) so I hope that works for me!

Re: Do you spend lots of $$$ throughout the year???

I teach HS and the decorating is limited because we share rooms with people in other departments. I spend most of my money on stickers and stuff for the kids...I've never spent that much, thankfully.

Message edited 3/4/2009 10:45:38 AM.

Re: Do you spend lots of $$$ throughout the year???

Re: Do you spend lots of $$$ throughout the year???

I don't spend much.
I teach high school so I don't decorate much (I move from room to room and I share my rooms with a whole bunch of other teachers).
I use supplies the department already has, like posters for demonstrations, and I photocopy sheets for them.
Mostly I spend money on markers, colored pencils, and that sort of thing... because occasionally I have them draw a diagram or something.

Re: Do you spend lots of $$$ throughout the year???

i agree. about 500 the first year, now about 100 a year.

Re: Do you spend lots of $$$ throughout the year???

I spent probably $500-$700 the first year, and maybe $250 a year since then.