"Come this new school year, consider taking time to help teachers in underfunded schools meet their students' needs.
Historically, U.S. public education has undergone massive budget cuts, leaving many classrooms without fundamental resources. A 2018 study published by the American Federation of Teachers, a nationally organized union, noted a decrease in teacher's salaries and an increase in teacher-to-student ratios. The National Education Association, a nationwide advocacy network for public education, details a concerning educator pay gap, finding that educators are paid 81 cents on the dollar compared to other professionals with similar experience and credentials.
And yet, the vast majority of teachers still spend their own money on classroom supplies. According to the United States Department of Education, 94% of teachers report paying for school supplies, without reimbursement, in the 2014-2015 school year. The same study calculated teachers spend on average $479 annually of their own money on classrooms, with 15 percent reporting closer to $800 annually."
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