TheApple

It depends on the school. Some schools will provide teachers with more teaching supplies than others. I taught at a public school where I had to buy absolutely everything...down to paper clips and pens! Now I am at a private school that provides almost everything...including borders for bulletin boards. My mother in law teaches at a charter school that is somewhere in between.

Some parents are also generous. Usually they'll donate items that their children don't use anymore. If you're on a budget also, you should try yard sales, The Salvation Army. But I think that's one great thing about teaching. Teachers are so creative and resourceful. They find a way to make their classroom work, even with their limited means.

i buy most of my items... the school budgets $100 a year...that doesn't go very far plus, whatever is bought with that money is school property.  I make sure I buy consumable items with that money (folders, stickers, pencils, nametags, etc...)

**an idea:** At the beginning of the year, make a large Wish Tree and put outside your door. Use apple die-cuts to tape on. On each apple put a "wish item" (examples: tissues, baby wipes, pens, highlighters, snacks, small prizes, markers, etc...) When parents come in for Back to School night or holiday parties they can take an apple with them and send in the item. Parents that can help will, others who might not be able aren't pressured, and it saves $ for you too!  I have a parent that asks me to send an apple home every month!! It's great! (I also keep a box of thank you notes in my desk and write a quick thank you every time a family donates something)

when I was in private school, the school do provide materials that the teachers needed but when I transfered in a public school some materials like class record is free but the rest we should provide it on our own, so I guess you should anticipate it also c",)