Let's Talk Classroom Supplies

Photo credit: Sharon McCutcheon on Unsplash

Twitter is currently all abuzz with teachers requesting contributions for their school supply lists. Many have wish lists on Amazon or other platforms. They post on Twitter hoping for more people to see the needs and offer support.

Yet, Jeff Bezos launched himself into space this week. Where is the equity here? Don’t get me wrong, I admire Bezos’ ingenuity, commitment, and innovation. He has built an amazing company on his own from the ground up, and he had the vision to go to space as a civilian. These are amazing accomplishments.

My problem is with a society that allows and feeds/supports such inequities. Why does Bezos not pay taxes? Why is he not required to help support our education system? Do we really believe in trickle down economics in 2021? Of course, Bezos and other billionaires contribute to causes, but their causes are their own, not necessarily the needs of society.

During the pandemic, many students across the nation struggled to connect to virtual school due to lack of internet access. Pictures of students sitting in fast-food restaurant parking lots with school computers in hand circulated through the media. Some schools set up their own parking lots with internet hotspots for students to come and sit in their cars in order to attend virtual school. Students and teachers who live in rural areas had spotty connection, and some students had to share family computers with siblings or parents who were working from home.

We continue to face internet inequities as well as lack of basic supplies this school year. For decades, many teachers have purchased supplies for their classrooms on their own dime, not reimbursed by their school systems. As social media use has increased, teachers search for others to support their classroom needs by posting their supply lists. What do these lists include? Lists include such simple items as paper, scissors, crayons, markers, and books. With covid-19 protocols, teachers need more supplies than usual so students do not need to share as often.

American children do not have enough crayons and markers, yet, billionaires are building rocket ships and launching themselves into space. How does this happen? Why does this happen in a wealthy society such as ours? How are we not focused and committed to building a better future through education? Why are we not taxing wealthy Americans and building well-supplied and innovative schools?

We live in the 21st century. Students need internet access, laptops, and classrooms need crayons, markers, and books. Until we have a better system in place to fund education, and until we value educators in this country, well, we can always hope to watch more space launches.