Teachers Say They Spend Hundreds on Classroom Supplies Amid Inflation, Cost-of-Living Struggles

Educators say it’s getting harder to cover out-of-pocket expenses to give their students a more rewarding experience.

Back-to-school supplies are shown for sale at a Walmart store in Encinitas, Calif., U.S., July 28, 2020. Mike Blake/Reuters

As teachers return to classrooms this year, many say the cost of supplies is taking a heavier toll on their wallets.

In a recent Study.com survey of 500 educators, 83 percent said inflation in the United States has affected their ability to purchase necessary classroom items.