On Giving Tuesday (December 2, 2025), the Special Education Foundation (SEF) invites you to join a critical effort: supporting the dedicated educators of the Special School District of St. Louis County (SSD) as they create meaningful, innovative classroom projects for students with disabilities. Your year-end gift ensures that teachers spend their energy on teaching — not on personal finances to implement creative learning experiences.

Why this is especially relevant for special‑education teachers

Special‑education teachers often need adaptive materials, sensory supplies, specialized manipulatives, technology supports, and hands‑on tools — which tend to cost more than general classroom supplies. For example, one special‑education teacher described needing “sensory bins, vibrating teethers, fidget toys” and then buying snacks and groceries for functional skills groups.

Because these tools are less standard and less likely to be fully budgeted in districts, special‑education teachers may rely more heavily on personal funds to fill the gap.

SEF’s Giving Tuesday campaign is dedicated to easing that burden. All funds raised will be channeled into classroom grants so that teachers can focus on innovation — not personal spending.

“We designated a space in our school for a sensory room for students. It's anarea with various opportunities for students to go in order to regulate theirbody and emotions. When students need a sensory break and a quiet environment, this space has been wonderful. We have tactile boards, various adaptive seating and a variety of compression items and swings for calming our students. Thank you so much SEF for helping our students!” ~Nikki Segona, Parkway Early Childhood

The reality of out-of-pocket classroom costs

• According to reporting by Richfield Research Group for CouponBirds, Missouri teachers on average spent about $1,300 of their own money on classroom supplies in a given year — among the highest in the country.
• More than half of teachers in the St. Louis area surveyed expect to spend more than $500 on their own by the end of the 2025-26 school year.
• The fact that many general‑education spending averages already approach $700‑$900 indicates that special‑ed teachers spending upward of $1,000‑$2,000 is plausible and likely under‑reported.

This year, let’s shift the narrative — from teachers paying to teach, to a community investing in their success. On December 2 (and through year-end), your gift helps ensure that SSD educators have the resources they need to bring creativity, inclusion, and excellence into their classrooms — without dipping into their own wallets.

Together, we can help transform classrooms, support educators, and empower students with disabilities to thrive. Thank you for your generosity, your partnership, and your belief in the power of inclusive education.