CLEVELAND — Back-to-school season can be downright expensive, not just for families, but also for teachers with many reaching into their own pockets to help stock their classrooms and provide students with essential learning supplies. 

What You Need To Know

  • The U.S. Department of Education said 94% of teachers reach into their own pockets for classroom supplies

  • Shoes and Clothes for Kids in Cleveland provides teachers with an opportunity to "shop" for free, brand new classroom supplies

  • Shoes and Clothes for Kids offers everything from classroom decorations, cleaning supplies and school supplies

Euclid High School Teacher Nick Selvaggio has been the profession for almost 40 years, and said he does his best to make his classroom a home away from home for students.

“Sometimes we see kids more than their parents see them,” Selvaggio explained. “We want to make it a comfortable place, a safe place, a good environment for the kids.” 

In order not to break the bank, Selvaggio utilizes the Shoes and Clothes for Kids teacher resource center, which provides free and new supplies for educators.

Shoes and Clothes for Kids works in partnership with Kids in Need, a national nonprofit which has centers across Ohio, including Dayton and Cincinnati and dozens more across the country.

“It’s nice to be able to have all of these things instead of purchasing them yourself, that is available for not only the kids, but things for teachers for their classroom," said Selvaggio.

When educators from under-resourced schools arrive at Shoes and Clothes for Kids, they get a list and are able to pick up things like classroom decorations, cleaning supplies, hygiene items, and of course, school supplies. 

“Believe it or not, it’s not just getting school supplies,” Selvaggio said. “It’s making connections with the students.” 

The U.S. Department of Education said 94% of teachers reach into their own pockets for classroom supplies, and studies show educators spend between $500 and $750 of their own money.

Carolyn Sekerak with Shoes and Clothes for Kids said by providing these supplies to teachers, they are helping children succeed in the classroom. 

She said they keep the teacher resource center stocked all year long. 

“To be eligible to shop at our free store, a teacher has to teach at a school where 60 percent or more of the students are eligible for the national school lunch program, so we use that as the defining eligibility requirement,” Sekerak said. “So once a school becomes eligible they need to find an ambassador, so that is a teacher like like Nick who is willing to serve as the liaison.” 

Selvaggio said utilizing this resource over the last 12 years has saved him a countless amount of money. 

 “Sometimes store have clearance deals, but I can’t wait for clearance deals,” he said. “What I can depend on is Shoes and Clothes for Kids to be here and be open when we need things.” 

The organization said they are always looking for volunteers.