Last week in class, we explored the concept of EdCamp, a unique professional development model often described as an “unconference.” Unlike traditional conferences with pre-set agendas and keynote speakers, EdCamp events are free, participant-driven gatherings where educators collaboratively decide discussion topics on the day of the event. These events are designed to leverage the collective knowledge and experiences of attendees, fostering organic discussions based on shared interests, challenges, and expertise.
After learning about this model, our class brainstormed potential topics we would be interested in exploring at an EdCamp-style event. The range of ideas was vast, spanning from navigating difficult parent interactions to incorporating Indigenous plant species into the curriculum, designing an engaging space unit, exploring outdoor education and gardening, and even discussing financial sustainability for teachers. Once we had compiled our ideas, we voted on three EdCamp sessions to pursue in small groups. I joined the group focusing on budgeting as a teacher.
In today’s world of social media, platforms like TikTok and Instagram are filled with teachers showcasing their classrooms, creative lesson ideas, and even their daily outfits. While these videos can be inspiring and provide innovative ways to create welcoming and engaging classroom environments, they can also contribute to an unspoken sense of competition among educators. The reality is that public school teachers often work within strict budget constraints, and the resources available don’t always align with the Pinterest-worthy classrooms seen online. Many teachers spend their own money to enhance their spaces, sometimes stretching their personal finances to do so. One of our professors even mentioned that there is now a dedicated line in tax forms for educators to claim out-of-pocket expenses—further evidence of how common this issue has become.
While discussions about teacher salaries and school funding are incredibly important, this blog post isn’t about that. Instead, it’s about the practical strategies we developed as a group to help teachers save money while still creating effective and inspiring learning environments. Below is a Canva poster highlighting our top ideas for teaching on a budget.
