For the most part, yes. Once in a while, a principal might have extra funds and will allot a small purchase order for the local teacher supply store, but don’t count on it. And it doesn’t even begin to cover the cost of what you put into your classroom.

However, if you aren’t a teacher yet, I would hold off on buying stuff for a couple of reasons: 1. You don’t know which grade level you’ll be teaching; and 2) Your school site might have a lot of resources for you to use already.

For example, I bought and solicited a lot of books for different grade levels. Then, I was placed in a first grade classroom with a HUGE library. I didn’t bring any of my own books, except for the ones I read to the entire class. It was a good thing, too, because little ones are very hard on books.

If you can, be patient and just save up your money for when you have a contract. Then, you’ll have a blast!

Oh my gosh, I spend so much money on my classroom. I am getting better, but I still spend too much. I have bought lamps, bean bag chairs, BOOKS, BOOKS, and more BOOKs, and so many decorative things. A great way to get books for your classroom is Scholastic warehouse sales. Look on their website and search warehouse sales and see if there is one in your area. They sell the books for at least half price. I went every year when I was in college and I got a ton. Rummage sales are also great. That way, if they get beat up, you only spent a quarter, so it doesn’t hurt so much! I would hold off on decorations. Everything I bought went on the “giveaway” table because I changed my mind about what I wanted. Good luck! Happy shopping!

yes, i usually spend my money…the school district where i work gives each teacher 100 bucks (we just turn in receipts that add up to that), but that doesn’t cut it all of the time.

there are things you can do to help cut down on costs. your school will hopefully have a laminating machine. laminate as much as possible so it lasts longer.

shop at the dollar tree. they have a great section in their office supplies with teacher stuff. they call it “teaching tree”. everything is a buck. they have stampers, certificates, desktop nametags, stickers, etc.

go to library book sales. people donate used books to the library who turns around and resells them to benefit the library. i went to one last week where the children’s books were 10 cents each, and on the second day you could fill a bag for 50 cents. usually it costs a little more, but i never spend more than 25 cents on books that end up in my library.

the back wall of my classroom is a very old chalkboard that is almost falling off the wall. it is surrounded on both sides (and top) with bulletin boards, so i made the entire thing look like one big bulletin board…i covered it with full size sheets from walmart (4 bucks each, i think i used 3). these last a long time and don’t fade as much as paper does. they are thin enough for me to use magnets on the part that is covering the chalkboard, so kids can hang their work there.

your first year will be he hardest on your budget because there are a lot of things you will want to buy. just remember that there will always be more teacher items in the store, and only buy what you truly need.

if your kids are interested in scholastic, you can set up an account with them. the kids send in money to order books, and you earn free points each time they order…you can cash in those points for free books.

I use my money, other teacher’s discards, and yard sale finds. Dumpster Diving and a little creativity will go a LONG way!

Most of it yes. I have some very generous coworkers who have sold things to me at very discounted prices or even given to me. But very little of my posters and like came out of the schools budget.

How else would a room get decorated?