Nashville, TN, September 19, 2025
News Summary
As funding cuts continue, teachers in Nashville are spending their own money on classroom supplies to assist students in need. Notably, many educators are covering essential costs despite restrictions on fundraising and minimal annual allowances. The nonprofit PENCIL has stepped in, providing substantial support. This has highlighted the inequity in resources among local schools, prompting efforts to ensure better access to necessary supplies for all students.
Nashville, TN – Educators in Nashville are increasingly feeling the financial strain of providing classroom supplies, with many spending thousands of dollars out of their own pockets to support their students amidst tightening budgets and funding constraints. This situation is highlighted by local teachers like Bianca Montgomery, who has devoted 24 years to teaching third grade at Jones Paideia Elementary Magnet School.
Montgomery goes above and beyond for her students, many of whom come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Approximately half of Jones Elementary’s students are categorized as such, prompting Montgomery to buy not only classroom essentials but also pajamas and clothing for students who lack these basic necessities. This year alone, she has invested significant funds into supplies, including ongoing costs of $25 each month for color printer maintenance.
Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) has banned teachers from sharing Amazon wishlists or utilizing crowdfunding platforms like DonorsChoose for acquiring classroom supplies. Despite this prohibition, many teachers have taken it upon themselves to create Amazon wishlists to alleviate their personal financial burden and have found considerable backing from donors. Montgomery created her first wishlist this year, receiving substantial support from the community.
While MNPS does allow two approved crowdfunding platforms—SnapRaise and Givebacks—the process for getting these initiatives off the ground can often be complex and time-consuming. Teachers also receive a mere $200 annually through the Tennessee Investment in Student Achievement (TISA) program for classroom supplies, which must be spent on approved items with receipts submitted by April 1. However, some items deemed inappropriate can lead to pay deductions, as experienced by fellow teacher Hayley Smith.
There exists a significant disparity in resources among Nashville public schools, evident in how different institutions are supported. For instance, Hillsboro High School benefits from strong parent-teacher organizations, while Jones Elementary relies heavily on local donations to meet their needs. To address these challenges, the nonprofit PENCIL has provided $2.85 million worth of supplies in the past year, including the DG PENCIL Box program that allows teachers to shop for free supplies each month.
Despite the constraints of TISA funding, many educators, including Smith, continue to spend their personal finances on classroom necessities, often using money gifted to them on special occasions. Teachers like Montgomery and Smith remain undeterred by the district’s restrictions on fundraising; they plan to keep creating wishlists to ensure their students have access to the best resources available.
PENCIL aims to provide equitable access to education by building community partnerships to help meet the various needs of MNPS teachers. This initiative highlights the commitment of local educators to maximize the potential of their students, often at a significant personal financial cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do teachers in Nashville typically spend on supplies?
Many teachers exceed the funding they receive from TISA, often spending hundreds of dollars out of their own pockets for classroom supplies.
What are the restrictions on fundraising for classroom supplies?
Metro Nashville Public Schools prohibits teachers from sharing Amazon wishlists or crowdfunding on DonorsChoose. Teachers can use platforms like SnapRaise and Givebacks, but the approval process can be complicated.
What support does the nonprofit PENCIL provide to teachers?
PENCIL distributed $2.85 million worth of supplies last year and offers a program called DG PENCIL Box, allowing teachers to shop for free supplies once a month.
Key Features of Nashville Teachers Supporting Classroom Supplies
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Teacher Expenditures | Many teachers spend hundreds of dollars on supplies out of their own pockets. |
| Restrictions on Fundraising | Teachers are prohibited from using Amazon wishlists or DonorsChoose; approved platforms include SnapRaise and Givebacks. |
| TISA Funding | Teachers receive $200 annually for supplies, which must be used for approved items. |
| PENCIL Support | PENCIL distributed $2.85 million worth of supplies in the past year and offers free supply shopping via the DG PENCIL Box. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
PENCIL Milestone Reaches $20 Million in School Supplies
How to afford Lipscomb University Nashville: scholarships, on-campus jobs & budgeting tips
Nashville Hosts Proforma’s Annual Service Project Supporting Local Music School
Cumberland Elementary School’s Teachers’ Lounge Revitalized
Nashville Hosts Community Art Exhibition to Celebrate Local Talent
Tennessee’s Universal Pre-K Funding Act Faces Setback
Additional Resources
- Nashville Banner: Nashville Teachers and Amazon Wishlists
- WSMV: Nashville Kindergarteners Receive Free School Supplies Box
- Tennessee Titans: Community Drive for PENCIL Foundation
- News Channel 5: United Way ‘Stuff the Bus’ Campaign
- Fox 17: Where to Get School Supplies in Middle Tennessee
- Wikipedia: Education in Tennessee
- Google Search: Nashville Public Schools Supply Funding
- Google Scholar: Education Funding Tennessee
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Public Education
- Google News: Nashville Teachers Fundraising
Author: HERE Nashville
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