Photo by Ellen Ferrera
Elementary teachers such as Cindy Yoder and Micah Meddins of Sullivan join educators all over Illinois by digging into their own pockets for school supplies to help their students learn.

•August 9, 2017•

By Ellen Ferrera
for the News Progress

The amount of money teachers spend out-of-pocket every year for their classrooms is growing.

In Sullivan Unit #300 schools 53% of elementary students are at poverty level leaving the burden for providing basic school supplies on others. And who are the people closest to these children in need - teachers.

Each of the teachers interviewed reported spending $500-$1,000 each year to fill another education funding gap. Parents of elementary school students spend $45 per student for required school supplies with the amount growing to $70-$80 per middle and high school student.      Login or Subscribe to read the rest of this story.