Back to School

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As summer quickly comes to an end, we are all anticipating the back to school hustle and bustle. Teachers are finalizing lesson plans, kids are trying to get in their last few weeks of freedom, and parents are anxiously awaiting the day for the kids to get out of their hair again.
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Other than lesson plans, teachers have plenty more to think about and prepare. How will they use their creative juices to keep their students engaged? How will they decorate their classrooms? And what will make them memorable as a teacher? Educators also tend to think about how they can promote not only education, but their schools. Everyone has seen the “My kid is the best student ever at Such-and-Such Middle School.”

Of course, there’s also banners for high school football championships, t-shirts for field day, and table covers for PTA meetings. Many times, a school district has what is called a Purchasing Department to fulfill the role of the getting these done. Just like any other company, they take bids from vendors and make sure that their budget allows for whatever they need. On the other hand, teachers usually have to provide their own supplies for their classrooms. This means not only things for the bulletin boards and posters for the room, but anything that helps distinguish the teacher and the school. Often times, teachers will pay out of their own pockets to buy T-shirts for their students to go on a field trip. PTAs also tend to order an outrageous amount of products displaying the school logo, name, etc. They sell these at fundraisers, do giveaways, and may even use them to promote future events.

So why are these so important to our school systems? In some cases, it’s simply related to school spirit. Students who express school spirit become better students. They perform better academically and are more active in school issues, as well as civil matters. More involvement and commitment to their education results in lower dropout rates. Many schools and districts will also use these items to boost enrollment. Colleges, in particular, try to boost their enrollment by passing out all sorts of pens, stickers, hats, etc., at college fairs. What better way to rack in more students – and more money – than by having a high schooler stare at a pen for eight hours a day, all while this pen is etched with your college’s name?

It is well known that teachers don’t get paid nearly enough (especially what they have to put up with) and school budgets are constantly strained. This is why affordable promotional products are so important. While big businesses can be a consistent customer and winning solution for your company, who wants to turn down business? Schools and teachers can be turned away from companies providing promotional items simply due to cost.

As a former educator, I know how important it can be to stamp your name on everything. Whether it’s your own name, your school’s name, or even your students’ names, putting it out there can help not only the students, but it can also help the teacher!

It’s nice to have reminders that the job you are doing is worth it every day.

AJ Jewell

AJ Jewell

Amber "AJ" Jewell started at BigPromotions.net in 2016 as a part-time admin assistant, quickly moving to be the 'Duchess of Flow" - making sure that the office is flowing smoothing. AJ is also an award-nominated author, homeschooling parent of three, an avid reader, and a college student.
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