What Teachers Really Spend on Supplies (and How to Spend Less)
Part of the How to Build a Teacher Wish List That Actually Gets Cleared guide for teachers.
What Do Teachers Really Spend on School Supplies?
Teachers spend an average of $895 out of pocket per school year on classroom supplies, according to the most recent AdoptAClassroom survey, with other national surveys putting the range between $655 and $895 depending on the source and year. That is money teachers are not reimbursed for, spent on things their classrooms need to function.
The Real Cost of Teaching
If you have ever quietly restocked the glue sticks in March, you are far from alone. The numbers behind teacher spending are striking, and worth naming plainly.
AdoptAClassroom.org's Spring 2025 survey found teachers spent an average of $895 out of pocket in 2024 to 2025, up 49% from about $600 a decade earlier. DonorsChoose reported $655 for 2025, up from $610 the year before. One survey of grant applicants found an average of $623, with 15% of teachers spending more than $1,000. Across the profession, that adds up to roughly $3.2 billion a year.
The pressure is not easing. Classroom supplies cost about 7.3% more heading into the 2025 to 2026 school year, nearly triple the rate of overall inflation. None of this reflects any failing on your part. It reflects a gap between what classrooms need and what budgets provide, and there are real ways to close some of it.
The Educator Expense Tax Deduction, Explained Simply
If you are a K through 12 teacher, counselor, principal, or aide who worked at least 900 hours during the school year, you can deduct qualifying out-of-pocket classroom expenses on your federal tax return, even if you do not itemize. Keep receipts for anything you buy for your classroom, since books, supplies, and classroom materials generally qualify. A tax professional can confirm exactly what applies to your situation and the current deduction limit.
Practical Ways to Spend Less
- Buy in bulk with colleagues: splitting a bulk order for markers or paper cuts the per-teacher cost significantly
- Time it around end-of-summer sales: late August and early September often bring the deepest discounts on classroom basics
- Join a supply swap group: many districts and local Facebook groups run swaps for gently used supplies and decor
- Check for local grants: some districts, PTAs, and community foundations offer small classroom grants worth applying for
When to Ask for Help Instead of Paying Yourself
Only 7% of teachers believe students would have what they need without teacher purchases, and about 20% of teachers now work a second job partly to offset classroom costs. If the budget is not stretching, asking for support is not a failure. It is a reasonable response to a real gap. A teacher wish list or a bit of classroom fundraising can close that gap without it coming out of your paycheck.
A Helping Hand
Prodigy has always believed in giving back to educators in fun and meaningful ways. This year, we're helping you stock up on the supplies your classroom needs most. Whether you're new to Prodigy or a longtime fan, this is your chance to win big and clear your classroom wishlist. From July 20 to September 11, 2026, we'll be giving away 5, $250 Amazon e-gift cards every day to lucky teachers. That's $50,000 in supplies for classrooms!
Here's how to enter the giveaway:
- Sign up for your free teacher account
- Create a classroom
- Add your students
Common Questions About What Teachers Spend on Supplies
How much do teachers spend on supplies each year?
Recent surveys put the average between $655 and $895 per year, depending on the source, grade level, and region.
Can teachers deduct classroom supply costs on their taxes?
Yes, through the Educator Expense Deduction, available to eligible K through 12 educators who meet the hours requirement. A tax professional can confirm current limits.
Why do teachers spend their own money on supplies?
Median school-provided budgets sit around $200, which the vast majority of teachers say is not enough to cover what their classroom actually needs during the year.
