Does federal data show Maine teachers spend $500 a year out of pocket on student supplies? | Fact brief

The latest federal data, from the 2019-20 school year, does not show that Maine teachers spend an average of $500 a year out of pocket on student supplies.

National Center for Education Statistics survey data shows 94% of Maine public school teachers spent their own money on classroom supplies without reimbursement that year.

The average amount spent was $340 among all Maine public school teachers, including those who spent nothing. Among those who spent money, the average rose to $361.

A 2019 Maine Center for Economic Policy analysis, citing an Economic Policy Institute report based on NCES survey data, estimated Maine public school teachers spent an average of $356 annually on supplies for students.

The $500 figure is closer to the national average. NCES found public school teachers nationwide averaged $445 across all teachers and $470 among those who spent their own money.