New Insights from National Life Group Reveal Severe Funding Gap for U.S. Teachers

Results from the Company’s Back to School Supply Grant Program show over 3,500 educators spend an average of $626 of their own money to purchase classroom supplies

Today, National Life Group announced the results of its annual LifeChanger of the Year Back to School Supply Grants. This summer, 3,544 K-12 educators applied for the grant program, each reporting spending hundreds of dollars of their own money to purchase classroom supplies. On average, applicants spent $626, with more than half spending at least $500 and 34% spending more than $750.

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Annual out-of-pocket spending on classroom supplies reported by applicants to National Life Group’s 2026 LifeChanger of the Year Back to School Supply Grant program (n=3,544)

As students return to classrooms across the country, the results from National’s Life Group’s grant program highlight a severe funding shortage facing K-12 teachers in the United States, with the majority of the financial burden falling on the educators themselves.

“Teachers shouldn’t have to choose between their own financial well-being and creating the classroom environment their students deserve,” said Linda Goldstein, VP Marketing and Brand of National Life Group. “From providing grants for classroom needs to helping educators prepare for a secure retirement, we’re committed to supporting those who dedicate their careers to the next generation.”

Teachers Are Investing in More Than Pencils and Paper

The applications provide a window into how teachers are using their own money and where classroom needs are evolving.

• 42% of applicants identified hands-on learning materials e.g. science equipment and kits, math manipulatives and experiential learning resources
• 36% of applicants cited furniture and flexible seating, including beanbags and specialized classroom chairs

The findings suggest that while the financial burden teachers face has remained persistent, the magnitude of what they're being asked to fund is evolving. Educators are burdened with investing in resources designed to help students engage, experiment and learn in different ways.

“This year, thousands of K-12 teachers told us they're reaching into their own pockets to invest in creating classrooms that help students engage in learning,” said Camillia Williams, Program Director for National Life Group LifeChanger of the Year. “These grants are about listening to educators, trusting them to identify what will make the greatest difference for their students and helping put those resources within reach."

Putting Resources Directly into Teachers' Hands

Grant applications increased by 68% this year, underscoring the growing need among educators. In response, National Life Group doubled the number of recipients from 10 to 20. The 2026 grant recipients who have publicly confirmed their awards include:

• Adelle McNiece, Miles Exploratory Learning Center in Tucson, AZ
• Carlos Miranda, Paterson P-Tech High School in Paterson, NJ
• Charlton Hudnell, Palm Beach Lakes Community High School in West Palm Beach, FL
• Erika Laycox, J.C. Fremont Elementary School in Carson City, NV
• Felicia Bradford, Carl Hayden Community High School in Phoenix, AZ
• Jamie Powell, Linda Abril Educational Academy in Phoenix, AZ
• Jennifer Robson, A.H. Bangert Elementary School in New Bern, NC
• Jeff Wolfhope, Grandview Middle School in Hickory, NC
• Kristen Blom, John P. Holland Charter School in Woodland Park, NJ
• Meghan McGetrick, Sacred Heart School in Lake Worth, FL
• Meghan Rodin, Paxson Elementary School in Missoula, MO
• Paula Davis, Henry H. Davis Family School in Camden, NJ
• Sharon Simmons, Meyer Elementary in Houston, TX

The grants are an extension of LifeChanger of the Year, National Life Group's national educator recognition program. Since 2011, the program has recognized more than 10,000 educators across 2,800 school districts and awarded more than $1 million in cash prizes and grants. The Back to School Supply Grants are designed to give K-12 educators additional resources to purchase the materials they know their students and classrooms need most.

As one applicant—an educator from Washington DC—remarked, “Many students learn best when they can see, touch, build, and experience a concept rather than only hear an explanation."

The applicant added, "Providing interactive materials would help increase student engagement, curiosity, and participation while making challenging concepts more accessible. It would also give students opportunities to develop critical thinking, problem solving, collaboration, communication, creativity, and scientific inquiry skills.”

About National Life Group

National Life Group has been keeping promises since 1848, providing access to flexible, secure life insurance and annuities for families, businesses, educators, and first responders nationwide. With an independent, entrepreneurial spirit, our values are to “Do good, Be good, Make good” for our customers, agents, employees, and the communities we serve. Learn more at NationalLife.com.

National Life Group® is a trade name of National Life Insurance Company (NLIC), Montpelier, VT founded in 1848, Life Insurance Company of the Southwest (LSW), Addison, TX chartered in 1955, and its affiliates. Each company is solely responsible for its own financial condition and contractual obligations. LSW is not an authorized insurer in New York and does not conduct insurance business in New York. NLIC, the flagship of National Life Group was founded in 1848, and all references to 1848 are attributable to NLIC.

Products are issued by National Life Insurance Company and Life Insurance Company of the Southwest. TC9130965 (0926)1

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