Fact-check analysisVerified as of July 27, 2025Curated by FactVerify
Mostly True

94% of teachers have had to dip into their own pockets to buy school supplies. An estimated 1 in 6 have second jobs during the school year to make ends meet.

Approximately 94% of U.S. Public school teachers have reported spending their own money on school supplies, and about 1 in 6 teachers hold second jobs during the school year to supplement their income.

As Prices Go Up and Student Needs Rise, Teachers Are Filling in the Gaps

As Prices Go Up and Student Needs Rise, Teachers Are Filling in the Gaps

Source: edweek.org

At a glance

Key Evidence

Verified July 27, 2025
The reporting

What the Evidence Shows

The claim consists of two main components: first, that 94% of teachers have had to pay out of pocket for school supplies, and second, that an estimated 1 in 6 teachers have second jobs during the school year. Multiple credible sources, including a federal Department of Education survey and reports from the National Center for Education Statistics, confirm that around 94% of public school teachers spend their own money on classroom supplies without reimbursement.nytimes.comnytimes.com94 Percent of U.S. Teachers Spend Their Own Money on School Supplies, Survey...

This figure has been consistently reported in studies dating back several years and remains supported by more recent surveys indicating over 90% of teachers continue this practice. Regarding the second claim, data from AdoptAClassroom. Org and Education Week indicate that approximately 16% (or about 1 in 6) of teachers work a second job during the school year to make ends meet.edweek.orgedweek.orgAs Prices Go Up and Student Needs Rise, Teachers Are Filling in the Gaps

While exact percentages may vary slightly depending on the survey and year, these figures are broadly consistent across multiple reputable sources. Some variation exists due to differences in survey methodology, sample populations, and timing; however, the overall picture supports the claim's accuracy. The claim does not specify a precise timeframe or geographic scope beyond U.S. Public school teachers, which aligns with the available data.

No significant contradictory evidence was found. The slight imprecision in the exact percentage for second jobs leads to a 'Mostly True' rather than 'True' verdict.

Primary trail

Verified Sources5

94 Percent of U.S. Teachers Spend Their Own Money on School Supplies, Survey...

nytimes.com
Open source

94% of teachers spend their own money on school supplies

cnn.com
Open source

Do Teachers Need to Buy Their Own Supplies in 2023?

adoptaclassroom.org
Open source
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