Desert Hot Springs Teacher Competes for Classroom Supplies Amid Rising Out-of-Pocket Costs

With back-to-school season fast approaching, one local teacher is hoping the community can rally behind her in a nationwide contest that could ease the financial burden of preparing a classroom. Amanda Mojica, a fourth-grade teacher at Bubbling Wells Elementary School in Desert Hot Springs, is participating in a competition where the educator with the most votes will receive essential classroom supplies. The stakes are high: the winner gets 500 water bottles for their school, $500 in classroom funds, and additional supplies for fellow teachers.

Mojica, who has been with the district for three years, says that while the school and district provide some basic items, it’s not nearly enough to fully equip a classroom—especially one that fosters a welcoming and engaging learning environment. “Basically everything you see on the walls is not really provided by the district or the school,” she said. “All decorations and everything that makes the classroom homey is bought by teachers.”

Despite not receiving a paycheck over the summer months, Mojica estimates she spends between $500 and $600 each year to get her classroom ready before students return. It's a common reality for many educators.

“I'm lucky enough to be able to afford it,” she said. “But I know a lot of teachers have to budget for their own children, too. It’s hard when you’re not getting paid and still have to buy supplies for your class.”

In recent years, educators like Mojica have turned to creative solutions to meet their classroom needs, including setting up Amazon Wishlist's and entering online contests. Mojica notes that nearly every teacher she knows sends their Wishlist to friends and family during the summer in hopes of getting some assistance.

For her, it's all worth it when students walk into a bright, thoughtfully decorated classroom on the first day of school. “Students have told me they notice when the room changes or feels welcoming,” Mojica shared. “That’s what keeps me going.”

To support Amanda Mojica in the contest you can vote for her on the Simple Modern website, or you can check out her Instagram to find her Amazon Wishlist.