Dianavan,

First of all, I am not as young as you think. Secondly, I do have teaching experience, quite a bit actually.

I do own a home and therefore have housing expenses. I do not have children of my own but I do have a farm and if you think raising all kinds of livestock and is much cheaper, dream on.

I can't speak for the Canadaian system as I don't live in Canada. In the United States, most children get what they need for school....usually the parents buy and the school subsidizes. There are still many needs but my entire point is that I don't mind kicking in and neither do the teachers I know. The government here DOES help by allowing pretty reasonable tax breaks for those who do buy for their classrooms.

There are many needs for schools whereever you go. And I wish the government would take care of more of it also, but in the meantime (I know this is a sore issue for you), I refuse to let one of my students do without if possible.

Michelle, who is truly done beating this horse to death.