Teacher supplies?..Update!

Hi! I work for NYC, and we are only getting $150 for the year. I am new to the fourth grade and not sure what I should buy. I want to get the things I really need. What do you recommend?

Also, do any of the teacher stores carry overhead transparencies of ELA passages and questions?

TIA...truly appreciate responses!

Update: Thanks for all the advice, buttttt I got called today for a permanent sub interview very close to where I live so, fingers crossed and praying the rosary, I hope I get it. If I don't, then back to shopping. I bought backing paper and borders, got free pencils/paper at Staples, and other random things. My school has paper, limited construction paper, and other items that we have to beg for and wait..lol.

Update #2: I got the permanent sub job!! I also got my permanent certification!! I am so excited. I resigned from the NYC BOE finally. Thank you for all the feedback. Good luck to everyone starting the new school year!

Message edited 8/29/2008 1:02:14 PM.

Re: Teacher supplies?

i would first see what your school has. i worked in NYC and my school was very well equipped and i did not have to buy basics like paper, markers, etc. see what they have, you will probably have most of what you need and you can use the $150.00 for fun stuff.

i wouldn't waste my money on ELA materials from a teacher store. Good teaching throughout the year will cover you and for prep., go to the new york state website. several years worth of past tests are posted as PDF files. you can just print them out on your own transparencies or to make photocopies for test practice.

also, scholastic's book catalog (you can download on-line) offers 40% off for teachers and tax free, i love them when i need to buy class sets of paperbacks.

GOOD LUCK!

Message edited 8/20/2008 12:13:23 PM.

Re: Teacher supplies?

Have you been to your classroom yet? It would help to know what you have before you start spending. I work in a NYC school and I took over a very well equipped classroom. You may already have the basics, like printer paper, chart paper, pencils, chalk, crayons, scissors, glue, etc. So if you don't know I would hold off on that stuff. Plus you never know what teaching materials are waiting for you. I agree with the above poster. You can photocopy materials onto blank transparencies to get exactly what you want. Otherwise I'm sure the teacher stores have them. And depending on what other programs your school uses you may not need much else. For example we have Everyday Math and it comes with the number line, number grid, manipulatives, games, etc. Our science program comes with all the manipulatives and books you need too.

No matter what you will probably need to get backing paper for the bulletin boards, plus border to match, name tags for their desks (if you want them), a lesson planbook and gradebook, any decorative signs or behavioral type charts, flow of the day chart, calendar for the room, maybe an alphabet for above the chalkboard, etc. Stuff like that. HTH

Re: Teacher supplies?

I agree with waiting to see what you get. They may also have borders, bulletin board paper etc. Most schools have certain books they want you to use for ELA prep also.

I teach 4th as well

Re: Teacher supplies?..Update!

Wow...I'd love to get $150 a year! I get NOTHING!! That's right, zero, zip, ZILCH!!

Good luck with the interview!