DALLAS — School is back in session on August 12 for the Dallas Independent School District. Campuses are already filling up with teachers getting their classrooms ready for students.
“There’s like a buzz. Sometimes it’s more of a nervous buzz, sometimes it’s more of an excited buzz but it’s very electrifying,” Marisol Garcia, a 2nd-grade teacher at Jack Lowe Sr. Elementary School, said.
Although Sophia Whitfield-Turner has been with DISD for six years, this will be her first on the same campus and she’s embracing its tradition of going big with its décor.
“With our theme this year, we grow flourishing futures, I wanted to make sure I tap into that theme so, Wednesday night I was on Amazon ordering the borders and the different vines,” Whitfield-Turner said.
Data from Coupon Birds shows nationally, teachers average spending $915 on classroom supplies and needs. In Texas, that number jumps up to a whopping $1,396.
WFAA wanted to know how much local teachers are spending out of their own pockets to prepare for this school year.
Whitfield-Turner exhaled, “Right now, I’m doing really good. In the past, I’ve spent upwards of $500. So far, I’m probably right at $100.”
Garcia reflected with a bit of shock, adding, “Oh my goodness. It varies each year but, I do remember one year when I was doing my taxes it was like 600-something dollars, almost 700.”
Both teachers shared some context about why they spend so much.
“I try to have a classroom that is warm that they feel like they can function in and know that when you come in here, it’s a safe zone and we’re going to have fun learning,” Whitfield-Turner said.
“Sometimes they don’t have a lot of space at home or they don’t have a space that’s kid-friendly,” Garcia explained. “I think it’s a huge part, especially at the beginning before we’ve built a relationship with them. That’s how we can show them that we’re excited about them being here, that we care about them.”
Goodwill North Central Texas is also offering teachers a discount on school supplies on Saturday, Aug. 10 at the Goodwill Outlet, located at 2452 Mansfield Hwy in Fort Worth.
WFAA has set up an Amazon wish list to help provide school supplies. The donation drive runs through Aug. 23.