3 Ways Educators Can Save in Classroom Expenses
As an educator, you want your students to succeed in your class. To get the best of the best for classroom supplies, you unfortunately have to spend some of your own money. NPR’s education team reported that educators spend at least $250 a year on supplies, organization items, and decor. Continue reading for 3 ways educators can save on classroom expenses.
Use Recycled Materials
Paper is widely used for materials and activities for students to reduce their screen time. Unfortunately, paper and printer ink can be very expensive long term. For printer ink, investigate using re-manufactured ink cartridges. They work just the same and are only a fraction of the cost. Recycle your paper for different projects if you can. You could make several crafts with your class using recycled materials from your own classroom.
Make A Wish List
Many people understand how much educators pay out of pocket for new materials for their classroom and want to assist in helping educators. By creating a wish list, similar to a registry, your friends, family, and parents of your students can donate items that can be useful to you and your students. One of the easiest ways you can do this is by using Amazon Wish list. By having a wish list, you will not end up with tons of one item and none of another. You could also update your wish list throughout the year as your needs change.
Taking Advantage of the Educator Expense Tax Deduction
The Educator Expense Tax Deduction gives educators and other academic administrators the ability to deduct a portion of the costs of technology, supplies, and certain training. The maximum deduction is $250 worth of qualified expenses. Eligible educators include people who work as an educator, instructor, counselor, principal, or classroom aide, work with students in kindergarten through 12th grade, complete at least 900 hours of work during the school year, and are employed by a school with elementary or secondary education confirmed by state law.
When searching for classroom supplies and materials, be sure to price match when you can and wait for supplies to go on clearance so you can get the best deals. You will also want to see if you can get any free materials as an educator through any promotions from different websites. It is difficult to provide the best learning environment and curriculum that you can on such a tight budget. Hopefully these tips and tricks will help you be able to be the best educator you can be!
Sources:
https://www.policygenius.com/blog/7-ways-teachers-can-save-money-on-school-supplies/
https://booksandgiggles.com/ways-teachers-can-save-money/
https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tips/college-and-education/tax-tips-for-teachers-deducting-out-of-pocket-classroom-expenses/L7RQyMRR4