What teachers spend on their students

A national survey shows 97% of teachers spend their own money to purchase classroom supplies. Here's what six teachers buy for their kids.

Kathy Casaday is a first grade teacher at Gardendale Elementary School in Gardendale, Ala.

"Our district gives teachers $400 a year, but I spend $400 beyond that each year on things that enhance the learning environment for my students.

During math lessons, we'll sometimes make graphs and patterns using M&Ms, Skittles or Fruit Loops, but since we aren't allowed to use the allotted funds on food purchases, I use my own money; the same goes for cooking activities.

Students are distracted by televisions, gaming systems and computers at home, so as their teachers, we're competing for their attention and have to find creative ways to make them enthusiastic about coming to school and learning." -- as told to Hibah Yousuf