More than 7,400 educators shared what they’re seeing in classrooms every day—from the barriers students face to the resources that help them feel prepared, included and ready to learn.
Every year, Kids In Need Foundation (KINF) asks educators to share what they’re experiencing in their classrooms. Their insights help shape our programs, partnerships and initiatives so we can better support students and teachers in underserved schools.
— Elementary school teacher in Florida
“I wish people outside of education understood that supply challenges in schools aren’t just about inconvenience—they directly shape the quality of learning students receive.
When supplies run short, teachers often adjust lessons on the spot or simplify activities, not because it’s best for learning, but because it’s what’s available. Ultimately, supply challenges are not minor logistical issues—they influence how lessons are taught, how students engage, and how equitable the learning environment truly is.”
— Elementary school teacher, Minnesota
Access to school supplies remains a barrier for many students—at school and at home. Even with these challenges, teachers, schools, and community partners continue working together to ensure students have the tools they need to fully participate in learning every day
of students begin the school year without all required supplies
students lack adequate supplies at home to complete schoolwork
of students run out of supplies by the second semester and cannot easily replace them
Educators remain deeply committed to their students, regularly using personal funds to create supportive and equitable learning environments.
At the same time, the survey underscores how important sustained support for educators continues to be. More than 42% of teacher respondents shared that they have considered leaving the profession due to feeling under-resourced and under-supported.
Even so, teachers continue showing up for their students every day—investing not only financially, but emotionally, creatively, and personally to help students feel seen, supported, and capable of reaching their full potential.
“Supply shortages definitely impact the classroom more than people think. At the start of the year, it slows everything down. Instead of jumping into routines, I’m spending time handing things out, having kids share, or figuring out who still needs what. It can also make some kids feel uncomfortable or singled out right away.
Mid year, it’s more about disruption. We already have our routines, so when things run out, it throws everything off. I end up adjusting lessons on the fly, especially with hands-on activities, and sometimes I’m choosing what we can do based on what we have instead of what would be best.”
– Elementary School Teacher in Ohio
Schools are helping students access essential resources that support their health, confidence, and ability to fully participate in their education.
These resources help students feel supported, included, and ready to learn. Insights like these directly inform Kids In Need Foundation’s programmatic and partnership growth—driving expanded offerings such as hygiene and social-emotional learning kits through RISE and Second Responder support, as well as increased access to books and literacy resources in Teacher Resource Centers. As teachers continue identifying evolving student needs, KINF continues innovating to meet them.
Of educators said most of their students rely on school access to hygiene items
Educators said that most of their students rely on school to access reading-level appropriate books
Of Educators reported that most of their students rely on school access to menstrual products
An overwhelming 98–99% of teachers who accessed KINF Resource Center support reported positive impacts on teaching, learning, and student engagement, demonstrating how access to essential classroom supplies helps educators better meet students’ needs and foster more engaging learning environments.
A Teacher’s Perspective:
At the core, supply challenges are really about equity. If I had to sum it up: supplies aren’t extras, they’re essential tools for learning, belonging, and opportunity.”
—Elementary School teacher in Anoka County, MN
The experiences shared by educators throughout the Teacher Insight Survey consistently underscore the power of access to essential supplies, describing school supplies as more than materials alone—they are tools that help students participate fully, build confidence, and engage more deeply in learning.
When communities come together to support teachers and students, classrooms become places where every student can learn, grow, and thrive.
“I think the biggest thing I wish others understood is that access to basic supplies is directly tied to equity. Every child deserves the chance to walk into a classroom feeling prepared and valued, and every teacher deserves the support to make that possible. One of the most meaningful parts of this experience has been seeing my students take pride in having the tools they need. It may seem small, but those moments—when a child is eager to participate because they feel prepared—are powerful.
Thank you for investing in classrooms like mine and for recognizing the importance of supporting both teachers and students in under-resourced communities. Your support truly makes a lasting impact.”
—Elementary school teacher in Texas
Want to help build classroom equity and reduce out-of-pocket classroom costs?
Donate to Kids In Need Foundation’s Back-to-School Campaign: Beyond the Backpack. Because when students have what they need, learning transforms. The tools may come in a backpack, but the confidence they inspire, the opportunities they create, and the dreams they help unlock reach far beyond it. Every child should have the chance to walk into a classroom feeling prepared, included, and ready to learn.
There are many ways to support under-resourced teachers and students nationwide through Kids In Need Foundation.
Join our community of monthly givers and provide consistent support to teachers and students all year long.
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Partner with Us
Mobilize your community and collect essential supplies for under-resourced teachers and students.
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Lend your time and talents to help ensure every student has the tools they need to learn and grow.
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Send much-needed supplies directly to students and teachers — every item makes a difference.
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