Report reveals NC teachers rank 2nd nationwide for out-of-pocket spending on classroom supplies

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- North Carolina teachers are preparing for the upcoming school year, but a new report highlights a troubling trend: many are spending their own money to stock classroom.

A study by CouponBirds revealed NC teachers, on average, shell out over $1,600 annually on school supplies, making the state second in the nation for out-of-pocket spending.

The highest spending states include Pennsylvania at $1,637, North Carolina at $1,632, Arizona at $1,581, Texas at $1,550, and Missouri at $1,527. In contrast, the lowest spending states are Nebraska at $473, West Virginia at $502, Oklahoma at $545, Louisiana at $565, and South Dakota at $569.

The report also highlights that the national average for teacher spending on supplies is $1,021, which is $611 less than in North Carolina.

The North Carolina Association of Educators (NCAE) says this financial burden is widespread with many taking second jobs to make ends meet.



"Many of our educators are working for Uber or at retail stores," Tamika Walker Kelly, the president of NCAE, said. "That should not be the North Carolina story. Our educators should have one job: supporting the academic and personal journeys of our students."

The report comes as Governor Josh Stein calls on lawmakers to invest more in the state's schools.

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