[xzins]

Not necessarily “supplies”, but student related expenses, I believe it. Supplies, food, student personal expenses, fees, etc., I know from a friend that it hits a compassionate teacher from a lot of directions. From my 1040, teachers aren’t the only ones to have employer related business expenses

[Keen-Minded]

I know two teachers and YES they do buy school supplies for their students every year. Apparently, school budgets only provide minimally for supplies. Some are low income students.

[Clutch Martin]

I wonder if a teacher purchasing school supplies can claim a tax deduction?

[Leaning Right]

> Not necessarily “supplies”, but student related expenses, I believe it. Supplies, food, student personal expenses, fees, etc. <

You’re right. I’ve taught for decades in urban public schools. In our district at least, the schools no longer cover optional student expenses. So when a student doesn’t have the money for a field trip, we teachers pitch in. When a student doesn’t have the money for a team jacket, we teachers pitch in.

That being said, $500 a year seems a bit high to me. But then again, my experience was all in the high schools. I know that elementary teachers are always buying extra supplies out of their own pockets.

And it’s really not some big outrage. It’s just part of the job.