HOW MUCH DO YOU SPEND? K-12 public school teachers collectively spent $1.6 billion out of pocket for classroom supplies in 2012-2013, according to a recent report from the National School Supply and Equipment Association. The average teacher spends $485, broken down into three categories: school supplies ($149), instruction materials ($198), and "other classroom supplies" ($138). The 25-page report will set you back $200; or check out the summary from THE Journal.
