AKRON, Ohio — It's no secret that some teachers pay out of pocket for supplies or things for their classroom.
According to adoptaclassroom.org, that dollar amount is around $745 a year for pre-K through 12th grade teachers. The organization is looking at how that number is effected by distanced learning.
Emily Lee is a language arts teacher at Ellet High School.
“Since I've been teaching 16 years, I have some more solid lessons in place,” said Emily Lee, a language arts teacher at Ellet High School. “I've just been trying to make things more engaging.”
As a high school teacher, she's used to prepping over the summer — even if the prep looks different from average years.
“One thing is not interesting at all, but it's the tedious job of taking everything on paper,” said Lee. “Then last year I had to switch everything online so I'm trying to kind of combine the two worlds.”
She wants to make sure she is prepping for what her students need, which changes year to year. This year is especially different after coming off an unprecedented school year.
“We just think about what our student population needs which isn't always covered completely in a textbook,” said Lee.
When it comes to supplies, Lee said she's thankful to be in her district.
“They actually are super helpful with supplies and stuff,” said Lee. “I'm really impressed ever since I've been there.”
Even in a district that takes care of their teachers, Lee said teachers still spend money out of pocket.
“So I buy books,” said Lee. “Lots and lots of books. I have my own classroom library even though we have our own library in the school because then the students are right there in their face and they can ask me about them. So a lot to students will check out books like that.”
She also buys students small rewards like cards with positive messages on them or inspirational quotes. She's also trying to add a little nature into her classroom.
“It sounds kind of silly but the plants,” said Lee. “Just bringing some nature into the classroom and making it seem more welcoming.”
Even if last year's plans didn't go completely according to plan, Lee said she's happy to be in a district that takes care of her needs and also supports the creativity she wants to bring to her classroom. She's looking forward to the school year no matter how different it might look this year.
Again, Lee said she's happy to be apart of a district that takes care of the supplies teachers need to best do their job. However, some teachers are not as fortunate. While distance learning statistics are still being analyzed, adoptaclassroom.org reports teachers spent about $250 more just last spring.