Teachers Buying Their Own Supplies

The Quiet Subsidy in Our Schools

Across Canada, teachers routinely dip into their own wallets to buy classroom supplies—from basics like pencils and paper to books, snacks, and even cleaning products. While this generosity reflects dedication, it also highlights a structural failure: educators are filling funding gaps that institutions and governments should address.

Why It Happens

• Budget shortfalls: Limited school funding leaves little room for classroom essentials.
• Equity concerns: Teachers step in to ensure all students, regardless of family income, have what they need.
• Policy inertia: Temporary fixes, like small tax credits, acknowledge the problem without solving it.

The Human Cost

This practice blurs the line between professional duty and personal sacrifice. It can lead to burnout, resentment, and financial strain—especially for early-career teachers already carrying student debt.

Systemic Implications

If teachers feel compelled to personally fund classrooms, it raises questions about:

• The adequacy of education budgets.
• Hidden inequities between wealthier and poorer schools.
• The normalization of unpaid labour in a profession that is already stretched.

Questions for Discussion

• Should governments mandate baseline supply budgets for every classroom?
• Are tax credits an adequate response, or a band-aid on a systemic problem?
• What role should parents, communities, and school boards play in ensuring students have the basics?