RALEIGH, NC - A recently released from CouponBirds highlights the growing financial burden on North Carolina teachers as they prepare for the 2025–2026 school year. According to the data, educators in North Carolina are now spending an average of $1,632 of their own money on classroom supplies—a 22% increase from last year’s average of $1,338. North Carolina teachers are faced with rising out-of-pocket costs at the same time their pay stagnates with no state budget in place.
This spending ranks North Carolina second in the nation, trailing only Pennsylvania by a mere $5 and significantly surpassing the national average of $1,021.
“Our educators constantly go above and beyond for the children of North Carolina. This report shows how despite not being paid a respectable wage that they deserve, that they are still willing to do whatever it takes to ensure their students are successful. No one should have to take on a second job to make ends meet and our teacher shouldn’t have to do the same to make sure their classrooms have what they need.”
- Tamika Walker Kelly, NCAE President
Where Does the Money Go?
The report shows that teachers are covering the cost of a wide array of essential items, ranging from basic school supplies to snacks and cleaning products. Key findings include:
- 98% – Consumable school supplies (e.g., paper, pencils)
- 80% – Classroom décor
- 72% – Educational aids
- 35% – Snacks
- 33% – Cleaning supplies
- 32% – First aid supplies
A striking 95% of teachers reported using their own money to purchase classroom materials—up 2% from last year. Additionally, 82% say their classrooms would suffer without these out-of-pocket contributions.
Paying for it All
30% of teachers surveyed reported that they had to take on a second job or side hustle to offset classroom expenses. Add this to the fact that many teachers are also parents who may have to pay for supplies for their own children. Parents are expected to pay $1,073 per child on back-to-school expenses, a 6% increase from last year.
The Economic Policy Institute reports that teachers earn just 73 cents for every dollar made by similarly educated professionals, which is much less than the 93.9 cents on the dollar they made in 1996.
