The trouble with being a teacher in the United States is there is no budget to help make your classroom environment more conducive to learning.
Most teachers in the United States end up dipping into their own pocket to bridge the gap.
So what happens when those supplies end up damaged or stolen?
Chemistry teacher and TikToker @chemwithcorinne posted a video to TikTok about the effects of such a situation.
You can see her video here:
@chemwithcorinne There is a good ending to this story, stay tuned #teachersoftiktok #chemistryteacher #highschool #pov
She told whomever stole her classroom calculator she couldn't afford to replace it.
She wrote on the whiteboard in her class:
"To the person who stole the calculator I've had since high school: Please return it."
"Have a friend drop it off or leave it by the door. My kids need new jackets and shoes, and I can't afford to replace it. Thank you, Mrs. L."
Below the note were pictures of her young children.
Immediately, the internet looked for ways to begin helping her.
@chemwithcorinne/TikTok
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In fact, the internet stepped up so much she was a bit overwhelmed by the response.
@chemwithcorinne Reply to @wornoutteach proof that there are 1000s of good people to make up for the bad #teachersoftiktok #pov
Between strangers on TikTok and her very own students, she was struck by the kindness people showed her.
@chemwithcorinne/TikTok
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Unfortunately, she wasn't able to last the school year.
In a later video, she confirmed she resigned from her position at the school.
@chemwithcorinne My resignation story. What else would you like to know? #greatresignation #teachersoftiktok #chemistryteacher #pov
One of the reasons she cited was being unable to support her family on a teacher's salary.
@chemwithcorinne/TikTok
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Let her story be a reminder to help a teacher in need—any teacher who might be in your vicinity.
Unfortunately, funding in American public education is very lacking, and teachers need all the help they can get.