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I just read a bit of news which is really interesting. What do you all think of this?

The San Diego (CA) Union-Tribune (11/24) reports that Rancho Bernardo High School math teacher Tom Farber "sells ads to local businesses" that he includes on the first page of students' exams. The money from the ads helps "cover printing costs." Farber pointed out that "the money he gets [from the school] for printing was cut this year to about $300 for two semesters. Printing the quizzes and tests costs more than $500, he said, and doesn't include handouts that students download and print on their own." Advertisers "pay $10 for an ad on a quiz, $20 to be on a chapter test and $30 for a spot on a semester final. Some of the quotes, either personal ones or by famous people, are paid for by parents." Although "Farber hasn't received sponsorships from any major retailers or store chains...he hasn't ruled them out. He said he would prefer to get ads from local mom-and-pop stores, such as a tuxedo shop around prom time."

I cannot believe that this is actually happening. I'm actually speechless!

I think Mr. Farber should re-think his strategy. These 'ads' will definitely distract the students, especially if the 'ad' is targeted to the student population. I understand 'the number of copies allowed' sometimes falls short of what a teacher might need however, I believe there are other solutions to the problem. For example, quizzes can be written up on the blackboard, review the hand-outs, perhaps the shorter ones can also be written on the board instead of copied. What is most unfortunate is that I cannot help but think that this individual is doing this to make a passive-aggressive statement to his administration, indirectly using the students as the 'fall guys'....

Wow.  I do not think this is a good idea at all...

I can understand the initial reaction to ads on quizzes, but I also can't help but think that the message being sent is "You pay us so little, not enough to do the job well. If you object to the ads, then pony up the funds needed so I don't have to do this."

But as long as we are talking about fund raising, why not ask why proceeds of the bake sales, book fairs, or any of the other tons of sales schools have do not help defray the cost of daily needs?  We have students having to bring in large amounts of tissue, hand sanitzer, and other supplies. Which leads me to ask, What exactly is the school paying for when they are not even providing soap in the students' rest rooms? In my school in Alabama kids don't even have their own workbooks. Ironically, we are also #3 from the bottom in the national report card.

I don't necessarily agree with ads on the quizzes, but what can we do when we are faced with the choice between providing the best education we can and meeting our personal financial responsibilities on the pittance we are paid? We can see everything this teacher is doing wrong, but I don't see any constructive suggestions aimed at placing the blame where it belongs - the school boards.

In reply to #1: 

It is disturbing that a teacher has to go to such lengths to meet the needs of the students. But I really can't blame just the teacher. Where I am, the districts use "Partners in Education" where churches and other companies donate books, dictionaries and other items *with their logos on them*. How is that any different? Especially when we are looking at public schools handing out supplies with church information on them. I've seen "Christmas Trees" with ornaments which carry the name of the store that donates an item (like an ornament with reads 100 pencils from ABC - Your One Stop Shopping Center!" 

The only difference I see there is that the whole school seems to benefit rather than just one class. We have been driven to an Every Man for Himself and it's the students who lose out. 

The article notes that his students have to download some worksheets. IF, and only if, the ads are on his web page, then maybe I can accept them. But, then again, he does sell ad space on quizzes and doesn't say whether those are online. I'm just appalled!

I think this man is brilliant. Firstly, he has found an ingenious way to avoid paying for classroom supplies out of his own pocket. Secondly, he is spurring the local economy in tough economic times. Thirdly, he has brought attention to the gross underfunding of our schools. Well done math teacher in California!

In this day and time, we as teachers have to do whatever is necessary and "legal" to help our students.  In our school, we are fortunate to have partners. We make sure that our community gets involved with the students and their needs.  We have a great PTSO and the president ensures that the fundraisers take care of paper, and the like.  Our principal is great for looking for 'freebies' for us. We have never had to worry about paper. We do take care not to abuse. For example, I rarely use the copier. I have 1000 sheets per 9 weeks. Leftovers, I lend to my coworkers. I will print up a test for 30 and students must use their own paper. Or, we'll go to the media center and assess on the computer. There are ways. You just have to be inventive and creative.  Churches, businesses and other leaders of the community always provide help to the schools.  We have 'free' shopping every year, and there are monies available in several funds for every teacher to order the things they need.  And finally, we spend our own money. It's natural. I don't know many teachers who don't spend some of their own funds to get the things they want in their classroom.