New Teacher Store: Cumberland County provides teachers with 'shopping spree' for classroom supplies

Fortunately, this year new teachers in Cumberland County won't have to dig as deep.

A sign on the door reads "Welcome to the New Teacher Store." Inside, all kinds of items that new teachers can use in their classrooms to make education for fun and engaging.

"There's so much here, I don't know what to choose from," said Jaymes Crain, one of about 150 new teachers taking advantage of the free classroom supplies at the Cumberland County New Teacher Store.

He's like a kid in a candy store, choosing items that will benefit his classroom in the coming year. New teachers can pick out 10 free items for their classrooms – and they get help making their selections.

"Like, I wouldn't have even thought that I would need letters," said Nishaylen Daniels, another new teacher. "Without having them help us out, I would have been lost."

"Also, it helps on the pockets," said Daniels.

Kari Grates, a beginning teacher support coordinator, helps new teachers get on their feet before they walk into their classroom.

She's been teaching for 20 years and has dipped into her own pockets a time or two to spruce up her classroom.

"I think you just have a vision for what your classroom to be like and how you want your students to be engaged, so you're willing to do and spend whatever it takes to get to that point," she said.

The store has everything from picture books to bulletin board paper and borders, from maps and pencils to manipulative toys and learning games.

Superintendent Dr. Marvin Connelly provided the supplies as part of the school's budget. Anything not taken this week will be saved for new teachers who come on board later this year.

In addition to items in the New Teacher Store, new teachers will also each get $300 to spend in the community.