How To Help 15 High School Teachers: Shop Their Amazon Wish Lists

A survey of teachers from the 2020-2021 school year found they spent an average of $750 out of pocket on school supplies. Help them spend a little less this upcoming year.

The nonprofit Adopt a Classroom surveyed 5400 teachers about the 2020-2021 school year, and those teachers spent an average of $750 out of pocket on school supplies. That's the highest amount ever. 30% of teachers spent $1000 or more.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, 94% of all public school teachers spent some of their own money on classroom supplies, with an average not-reimbursed spend of $478 — and that was back in the 2014-2015 school year.

That's why we asked teachers on BuzzFeed to share their Amazon Wish Lists with you, our readers, so we can all support them together this Prime Day, when some of the items might be on sale.

We received significantly more responses than we expected — which shows the level of need — so we'll continue to find ways to highlight different teachers and their wishlists over the next few months.  

Here's more about this project, plus 15 Pre-School and Elementary Teacher Amazon Wish Lists and 15 Middle School Teacher Amazon Wish Lists. 

Amazon Wish Lists are relatively simple to shop from, especially if you're buying off of one Wish List at a time.

For buying off of one Wish List at a time: you simply click into the Wish List, add as many items to cart as you'd like to purchase for that teacher, and go to check out. Amazon will ask you which address to ship to; select the teacher's hidden gift address. Finish your checkout, where Amazon will charge your account for the gift. 

For buying off of multiple Wish Lists at a time: As you're adding items to your cart from different teachers Wish Lists, keep track of which teacher requested which item. When you check out, Amazon will ask you which address to ship to; click "Ship to multiple addresses" near the top right. Then, use the drop down menus to assign the correct teacher's address to each item. From there you can finish checkout, and Amazon will charge your account for all of it. 

Here are some of the high school teachers who need your help for their students.

1. Susan, a high school social studies teacher who's looking for answer buzzers, government and civics posters for the walls, and rugs to make the room more relaxing and homey.

Courtesy of Susan

What they said: "I teach high school social studies at a small public school in Southern Oregon. My students are 60% Caucasian and 40% Latino and are all loads of fun! I look forward to seeing them everyday." 

Get Susan supplies from their Amazon Wish List. 

2. Liz, a ninth grade English teacher wanting to provide their students with pens, markers, and lots of great books.

Courtesy of Liz

What they said: "I'll be teaching my first year of ninth grade English in a Title 1 district (low income families). I previously taught three years of eighth grade English at a Title 1 school. I don't just teach students how to read and write, I teach them how to communicate clearly so they get what they want/need to be successful as adults. I also always have snacks on hand to give to students who are hungry and missed breakfast or didn't get enough at lunch. I also make sure my classroom feels like home so they are safe and comfortable. I love what I do." 

Get Liz supplies from their Amazon Wish List. 

3. Ngoc, a high school math teacher who hopes for funny and educational posters as well as privacy screens to encourage students to work independently when required.

Courtesy of Ngoc

What they said: "On behalf of my students, thank you for your generous donations. The supplies here are for a high school math classroom. On a typical day in my class, students are grouped in teams of fours and work cooperatively daily on assignments. This structure has many advantages for students such as building communication skills, constructing individual understanding, and helping students learn to work together. However, when it come to individual tests, it becomes a challenge to keep students working independently. Therefore, I would really appreciate the donations for the desks dividers, among the other supplies. Thank you for your time reading this message." 

Get Ngoc supplies from their Amazon Wish List. 

4. Juliana is a high school biology teacher, and wants their classroom to have lots of fun decorations and storage for lab materials.

Courtesy of Juliana

What they said: "Hello and thank you so much for taking the time to visit. I am starting my 11th year teaching biology in Bakersfield, CA. I am moving to a new school; a brand new school that opens for the first class in August 2022. I would appreciate your support with new classroom decor and storage for all my lab materials. I would love to cultivate a safe and welcoming classroom to the first class of sophomores entering this school." 

Get Juliana supplies from their Amazon Wish List. 

5. Drew, a high school Spanish teacher looking to provide their students with educational books as well as a variety of fidget toys to help students who struggle with paying attention or sitting still.

Courtesy of Drew

What they said: "I am a Spanish teacher at Spring Valley High School in Columbia, SC. I am looking for authentic texts to use with my students as well as reference materials. I am also implementing what I’m calling a “fidget bucket” this year for students who struggle with attention. It will include items they can fidget with like stress balls and pop-its that they can borrow for the class period and then return, honor system style. Some of all of these types of things can be found on my list along with other various classroom needs. I would appreciate any help!" 

Get Drew supplies from their Amazon Wish List. 

6. Jessica, a high school theater teacher hoping for LED strip lights, arts and crafts supplies, and scenery construction books.

Amazon

What they said: "I will be teaching high school theater at a new school for me. The school is a Title I school, that is lucky to have an arts magnet program. The courses that I will be teaching are vast in the theater curriculum for all levels of students — from students that are just beginning acting or tech to students who will be pursuing it in college and in their careers. Theater and arts classes are generally underfunded and overlooked compared to other content. Especially in theater, we cover an expansive curriculum with beginning to advanced acting, musical theater, stage lighting and sound, costume and makeup, and theater management (yes, these are all things that I, the one teacher will be teaching, including after school theater productions that produce more expenses). Any item will be a benefit to the students to use in the classroom."

Get Jessica supplies from their Amazon Wish List.

7. Katie is a high school special education teacher, and they added things like yoga mats as well as social and emotional learning activity cards.

Courtesy of Katie

What they said: "Hi! I am a fifth year special education teacher. I teach high school students with mild to moderate intellectual disabilities. The high school I work at is amazing. They give me a lot of wiggle room for the curriculum I teach, but this allows a lot of free time. I’m hoping to fill the time with STEM building blocks and forms of sensory therapy. My kids are INCREDIBLE and need a lot of support. I’m hoping to have my wishlist filled for my amazing students with disabilities." 

Get Katie supplies from their Amazon Wish List. 

8. Amber, a high school Spanish teacher hoping to provide their students with motivational posters and comfy classroom furniture.

Courtesy of Amber

What they said: "I teach Spanish at the high school level in San Antonio, Texas. Thank you so much for your donations and support!" 

Get Amber supplies from their Amazon Wish List. 

9. Emily, a high school science teacher looking for pens, pencils, and calculators to help keep up with budget cuts.

Amazon

What they said: "I’m a science teacher (biology, anatomy & physiology, sports medicine & exercise science) teacher at a Title I high school in MA. I love the diversity of the students I teach and feel so lucky to teach the classes I do. Many of my students are starting to think about future careers and I love being able to help them start to discover their passions. At my school, our science supply budget has taken a beating over the years through many budget cuts. Our school does not have a classroom supply budget, so that all falls on the teachers. I do the best I can to supplement, but it can be a lot! I appreciate the kindness and generosity of everyone involved in this project!!!"

Get Emily supplies from their Amazon Wish List.

10. Brandy, a high school world history and African American history teacher wanting to provide their students with maps, visual timers, and stress balls that look like mini globes.

Courtesy of Brandy

What they said: "I teach world history and African American history to high school students in North Philadelphia. The majority of the students are considered at-risk youth and come from low income households. My school is an accelerated program that allows students that have fallen behind in school to get back on track and get their diploma!" 

Get Brandy supplies from their Amazon Wish List. 

11. Tania is a high school librarian, and wants their students to have new books despite supply issues and other obstacles.

Amazon

What they said: "I am a high school librarian in Osceola County, Florida. We are a school of 2600+ students. Other than state funds for instructional materials, we do not have funds. This year, because of new laws, we are not able to order books for our media centers until after January 2023. With supply issues, there is a chance that unless we get help, our students will not have new books in their hands this year. Finding book fairs for high schools it’s almost impossible. Our only source of funding is our Starbooks café for students and staff. The wishlist has books my students will love as well as supplies for our café so we can purchase a few books throughout the year. Thank you!"

Get Tania supplies from their Amazon Wish List.

12. Rachel, a high school English teacher looking for notebooks, posters, and stickers to ensure that their students have everything they need for a fun and educational learning experience.

Courtesy of Rachel

What they said: "I teach high school English at a Title 1 (low income) school in San Antonio. My students are the sweetest, despite the hardships they and their families are going through. I strive to make my classroom safe and welcoming, with everything they could possibly need for academic success." 

Get Rachel supplies from their Amazon Wish List. 

13. Ms. Evans, who lists Scrabble, STEM-building robots, and sidewalk chalk.

Amazon

Get Ms. Evans supplies from their Amazon Wish List. 

14. Emily, a high school chemistry teacher who's hoping for calculators, pens, and other items that some of their underprivileged students might not be able to get elsewhere.

Courtesy of Emily

What they said: "I am a sixth year high school chemistry teacher, and these are the supplies I typically buy each September for my classroom. The list contains common items like pens, pencils, dry erase markers, and snacks. I have also added some other items that would be very helpful for some of my underprivileged students. To everyone who has donated, chipped in and helped out I am so grateful; I really do not have the words. Thank you, thank you, thank you — I promise these things all make a difference! I also coach girls' lacrosse and am a class advisor to a group of about 250 awesome rising juniors!" 

Get Emily supplies from their Amazon Wish List. 

15. Barbara, a high school biology teacher hoping for notebooks and lab supplies to help their students out with required classroom materials.

Courtesy of Barbara

What they said: "I teach a variety of biology classes at a high school just outside of Richmond, Virginia! My sophomore biology students are required to have a composition notebook, and I'd like to make sure these notebooks are provided for them, as well as other necessary classroom materials and lab supplies. Many of my students have gone through (and will go through) a lot, and they deserve the best education and love I can provide them. With your help, I can help supply them with the necessary materials and a safe, comfortable learning space! Thanks so much for your help!!" 

Get Barbara supplies from their Amazon Wish List. 

To help you navigate these Wish Lists, we've broken down some of the submissions from teachers into three categories: 15 pre-school and elementary teachers, 15 middle school teachers, and 15 high school teachers. Plus, here's more about this project and 5 more teacher wishlists. They could all use our help. Happy shopping!

Responses have been edited for length and clarity.

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