Each year, before school starts, parents, community members, organizations, come together to ensure that students have all the supplies necessary for a successful school year. Teachers do the same. In fact, Connecticut public school teachers spend on average $397 out of their own pockets each year on classroom supplies, according to the Economic Policy Institute. That’s why E4E-Connecticut is hosting a teacher supply drive for Hartford teachers to help alleviate that burden.
The supply drive will be held on Thursday, January 9 at 4 – 6:00 p.m. at the Hartford Yard Goats Aetna Community Center. While we would love to give every teacher classroom supplies, supplies are limited. The first 60 Hartford teachers to register will be guaranteed supplies. Hartford teachers have identified that they are need of: printer paper, dry erase markers, pens, pencils, flip charts, and scotch tape.
If you are interested in donating classroom supplies or to learn more about the event, please reach out to E4E-CT Executive Director Andréa Comer, Managing Director of External Affairs Ebony Chisholm, or Outreach Director Gage Salicki.
FAQ
WHAT IS THE TEACHER SUPPLY DRIVE?
The Teacher Supply Drive is an event to celebrate and support teachers in Hartford by bringing together community partners and leaders and providing much-needed supplies. It will take place on January 9th, 2020, 4:00 p.m. at the Yard Goats Stadium.
WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS?
On average, teachers across the country spend roughly $636 a year on supplies for their classrooms and their students. This burden causes some teachers to have to make the choice to work second jobs or not have enough supplies for their students. Despite budget cuts everywhere, the hardest-hit places tend to be the places with the most students of color and students living in poverty. To help combat this impact, we have collected donations and put together supply bags to help our teachers help our students.
CAN I DONATE?
Yes! If you would like to donate supplies or money, contact Andréa Comer at [email protected].
I’M A TEACHER, HOW CAN I ATTEND?
For this event, E4E-CT teacher leaders have volunteered to recruit their peers. If you do not know of a teacher who is doing so, please contact Andréa Comer at [email protected] or Gage Salicki at [email protected]. We do have a cap for this event, but still encourage teachers to attend, as the event is for all Hartford teachers.
WILL THERE BE FOOD?
Yes! The event is not just a supply drive but also a celebration of Hartford teachers.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
Attending is free! The food is free! The supplies are free!