Louisiana teacher starts online group to help other teachers with classroom supplies

SPRINGFIELD, La. (WGNO) — The new school year can be just as expensive for teachers as it is for parents.

“As a teacher, I know how much we actually spend out of pocket to decorate our classrooms and buy extra supplies for our students,” said Dianne Cothern, a teacher at Springfield High School.

According to the National Education Association, teachers spend an average of $500 to $750 of their own money each year on the needs of their students.

Cothern, who knows this feeling all too well, decided to start a Facebook group called “Clear the List for Teachers 2024” to help teachers save where they can.

“Every day, a new member joins the group. People invite them. We see people who are not teachers jumping on and looking at people’s wish lists. It’s growing every day. So I’m excited to see where it goes,” Cothern said.

And the group continues to grow, now amassing over 2,000 followers in the U.S. In addition to donations from people who join the group, she also does giveaways. She says the supplies are purchased and sent directly to the teachers.

“I have teachers there from Washington and New Jersey. It can be as little as $10, and those teachers are so grateful. They post what they get on the group page. They’re just so excited. Every little bit helps,” Cothern said.

Ultimately, she explains that it makes a difference when the students come back and see the classrooms.

“It’s a sense of belonging, a sense of comfort. A classroom that is welcoming and inviting gets kids excited about the school year,” Cothern said.

For more information, please contact Cothern on Facebook.

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