Teachers in B.C. public schools have started taking home materials from their classrooms in anticipation of a full-scale strike on Tuesday. It's no secret that a lot of classroom material — from books to supplies to decorations — is purchased by parent advisory committee (PAC) funds, as well as by teachers themselves. But the magnitude of teachers' contributions is clear when they remove their belongings. We asked teachers to send us before and after photos of their classrooms, and the differences are stark:

Most public schools can spend school supply fees and school learning resources funds to buy classroom items. Fundraisers by PACs supplement the purchase of additional equipment and materials. “Teachers spend their own personal money to personalize their classrooms and make their classroom functional, organized, and inviting,” says Vancouver teacher Wendy Lau. “With only what the school board provides, the classrooms are very bland and cold.” Through the years, Lau has purchased puzzles, storage containers, stickers, decorations, science project supplies, and dress-up clothes — until her husband, who is also a teacher, had to remind her of financial obligations like their mortgage. “There were years when I spent over $1,000,” she says.

It's like expecting parents preparing for the first newborn in the family. The subsequent children get the hand-me-downs. Wendy Lau, Teacher