Back to school shopping is underway, and on Monday, teachers were able to fill their carts full of school supplies at the Hillsborough Education Foundation’s Teaching Tools Resource Center.

The resource center acts essentially as a “store” filled with school supplies that all came from donations, and teachers from Title 1 schools can come get whatever they may need for free.

“Often, if a teacher knows that their student doesn’t have the tools and resources they need to be successful — pencils, paper, crayons, a backpack — more often than not they’re going to dip into their own pockets to supply those needs and ... with teacher pay being what it is, that’s a lot to put on a teacher," said Anna Corman with the Hillsborough Education Foundation. "And so, by coming and shopping at our store, teachers can shop up to four times a year, they can save almost $1,700 a year on school supplies.” 

Teacher Steven Wilson came ready to shop until he dropped on Monday, saying he’s looking for “anything and everything” to help his students.

Wilson teaches sixth grade Earth science at Giunta Middle, a Title 1 school in Riverview, and as he prepares to head back to the classroom, he’s here to make sure his students are stocked for the next year.

“Basically, necessities for students to be successful in school, anything from pencils and pens, markers,” he said.

According to information from the Hillsborough Education Foundation, three out of five students in the community come from an economically disadvantaged situation, and their parents just can’t afford school supplies.

Wilson said that without the Teaching Tools Resource Center, he would be the one paying to make sure the students have what they need.

“I’d probably have to spend the money out of my pocket just to make sure the students are well prepared and successful in my class,” said Steven.

He estimates his two trips to the Resource Center last year added up to about $1,900, which would be hard to swing on current teacher salaries.

Wilson and the other teachers shopping Monday said they were extremely grateful for the help, because while pencils and notebooks may not seem like much to some, they make all the difference to the students who need them, and give a serious boost to their ability to succeed.  

The Teaching Tools Resource Center is open to teachers throughout the school year, so they are able to come back later in the year and restock supplies for their students if they need to.