How do you feel about buying your own resources?
@highflyingxangel (9225)
United States
August 26, 2009 6:30pm CST
I recently began teaching in a brand new center. It's a a brand new program and we have a program specialist that is supposed to have resources for the teachers to check out so they can plan. Now, this normally doesn't bother me but I personally prefer having my own resources. I hate having to check things out and having the possibility of not being able to get ahold of resources when I want them or when I need them.
I have a few books on Amazon that I'm thinking about buying. The books together would cost me a little over $40 for brand new books but I would definitely prefer buying them over having to wait or to check out resources. I like having resources for my classroom instead of having to go talk to others about the resources. Do you think it's OK for a teacher to have their own personal teaching resources or should teachers only use what is available to them at their center or school?
I personally don't feel that $40 for books that will be used is a bad deal. It's not a huge chunk of money or anything so I don't consider it a waste. Would you?
2 people like this
5 responses
@JAYMAR777 (840)
• Philippines
27 Aug 09
I'm a teacher myself. I think that is a very good idea. I do that, getting my own resources, but i also am very cautios of protocols, prospectos and things like that. But I more or less think out of the box. I usually want to go beyond the norms.
Hey if you like the books buy it. The satisfaction of teaching something from a good resource (believe me) is priceless.
Happy teaching and mylotting.
@highflyingxangel (9225)
• United States
27 Aug 09
They're definitely into the idea of us not having to buy our own teaching supplies. However, nothing was said much about our own resources. I've had to buy a few small things for our classroom already, we just haven't told them that we've done so. They've said they'd buy our supplies but right now it's hard to get them to buy things when their accounts haven't fully gone through and what not. However, I see resources as personal things that they shouldn't care much about so I think I'm going to buy a few extra things that my fellow teachers and I can use.
@JAYMAR777 (840)
• Philippines
27 Aug 09
That's good that is initiative. I think you are a teacher driven by passion.
That is one of the rarest trait of teachers nowadays.
@RBBailey (10)
• Japan
11 Sep 09
I teach in Japan, and sometimes I have to buy my own stuff. But, I think it depends on the company or school that you work for. If it is a small, or start-up school, and you can see that they don't have funding for new materials for the time-being, or material suitable for what you have to teach, then I say buy what you can out of your own pocket, and keep it as yours.
On the other hand, if the company or school is corporate, negociate with your supervisors on what you need, and go from there. Don't let a profitable company or corporation capitolize on your love of teaching by pushing you into buying your own material for the sake of you doing your job. I'm not a lawyer, but any employer should be responsible for providing their employees with the minimum funding/materials to carry out their job.
@mtdewgurl74 (18151)
• United States
27 Aug 09
I think it would be a good idea cause as you said why wait and have to sign out, you could have them whenever you needed them. I think it is well worth the cost. It can get annoying sometimes having to wait turns or having to go through the trouble of waiting or signing out..I say go with it..you might even find them cheaper somewhere else..
@dfollin (25347)
• United States
27 Aug 09
I am a homeschool teacher and I love picking out my own stuff,but not from other people's choices.In a way you are lucky,because in the public schools around here the school board decides what books and curriculum you use to teach.I don't blame you at all about liking having your own resources.But,you can look at what they got too and see what is there.
I advise that you use whatever you feel is right for you and your students.
Good luck.
@gitfiddleplayer (10362)
• United States
27 Aug 09
I don't think that teachers should have to buy their own resources when the educational facility should provide them. If there is something that you want above and beyond what listed then you should get it for yourself and use it by yourself. If you don't feel comfortable about asking for resources then form a committee that will make sure every teacher has what they need.
