RALEIGH, N.C. — Teachers in North Carolina each spend an average of more than $900 on classroom supplies every year. That money often comes out of their own pockets.
A program in Wake County is continuing work to get free school supplies to teachers.
Sometimes teachers are lucky enough to receive donations or visit organizations that help them get ready for students while managing a budget. Tools4Schools, a program through WakeEd Partnership, provides free school supplies to teachers. It has a supply store where teachers can shop for free.
WakeEd Partnership is a nonprofit that works on improving public education and advocating for educational opportunities for students.
Ever since high school, Suzanne Halsy’s dream job was to be a teacher.
“When I got that first job offer, I was just ecstatic,” Halsy said. “I literally, like, jumped in the air just all by myself. But I was so excited to be doing what I had always dreamed of.”
She says it’s a lot of work, but it’s very meaningful.
“I joke that I’m not paid a lot of money, but I'm paid with hugs,” Halsy said.
Although hugs are one of Halsy’s favorite parts about the job, there is a lot of money and time that goes into getting ready for her students each year. This will be her 10th year teaching, and she says the money invested in her classroom adds up quick.
Tools4Schools has given away more than $1 million in school supplies since it opened its free supply store two years ago. Last year, the organization helped 8,000 out of 10,000 teachers in Wake County.
“It's really all about appreciating teachers,” WakeEd Partnership President Keith Poston said. “I've never had a job where I had to buy my own office supplies, you know, bring in my own copy paper. But that's not the norm. We expect that of teachers. And the sad thing is that they'll just do it because that's what teachers do."
"They shouldn't have to," he said. "And we're just trying to make up that difference the best we can.”
The supply store is open throughout the school year.
“People just come up and hug you,” Poston said. “They'll tell you that it's like Christmas and they're so excited about it. Which again, it makes me feel good. I feel like we're doing some good. Also makes me sad that has to be something you should be excited about getting the materials you need to do your job.”
Teachers can come back every quarter.
“By supporting this many teachers, they're supporting so many students,” Halsy said. “So very grateful for that.”
The Tools4Schools store will be open through the end of the school year. Teachers can sign up for a visit on the website.
Other counties in the state are also helping with school supplies.
Classroom Central is serving teachers and students in six districts including Charlotte-Mecklenburg schools.
The Teacher Supply Warehouse in Guilford County and Teachers Treasures in Caldwell County also support local educators.