Spending out of your own pocket for your classroom is not something I advise teachers to do. However, I have learned that if I want something for my class, I will have to go out and pay for it. I just do it.
I started this job making $18,000 a year with two pre-teens to raise on my own. We ate a lot of mac-n-cheese and Ramon noodles. My girls got jobs as soon as they were able. We lived in a trailor and had one car. Yes, it was hard but we didn't look at it that way. We looked at is as being together.
I didn't start by spending a lot of money on my class. That came gradually. It came as my salary increased and my children grew up and left home.
Now let me say, that when I spend money on my class, I can be rather selfish about it. I don't loan the items to other teachers because I feel that if they want it, they can go get it themselves or do without. I did for many years. I learned to be very creative about things in my class. In the old days, if we wanted to do science activities, we had to purchase things ourselves. Parents were not an option. Most of our students were from other countries and very poor, or from families that just didn't care.
Things have changed! Now we have a hugely varied ethnic background and both parents work and no one comes to the conferences or awards assemblies or parent nights. We are going to have to discuss getting parents involved next year. I can ask for donations and sometimes they remember and send them. So, I am back to spending money on my classes.
I really don't mind spending money on my classes but I really do mind spending money on other peoples classes. I have heard other teachers refer to me as selfish and I think, "You bet I am. It is my money." Does it hurt my feelings? Yep! But I don't let it bother me for very long. I am willing to share books, ideas, lesson plans, creations, and even an occasional DVD with other classes. I am willing to share 22 years of experience, but I am not willing to spend money on their classes.
Monkey Poop was hurt that I didn't want to buy clay for her class to do a project. After all, she was poor and a first year teacher and didn't make as much as me. Next year, I won't care. I am not on her team. When the kids ask me for things, I am going to use it as a teaching moment next year and let them know that it is an improper question.
So, How much do I spend? Probably around $4-5,000 a year. Do I care? No. It is my choice. Do I make a lot of money? Not really. We are still trying to catch up with other districts in our state. Do I care? No. If I want to spend my money that way, I do. My kids are grown. My grandchildren already have everything they need. I am not responsible for anyone but me.
Are you jealous? Maybe. But remember... I have been at the bottom and worked my way up here. It was not an easy thing to do. It is a thing I love doing.