Utah teachers voice concern about Tennessee ban on back-to-school wish lists

SALT LAKE CITY — Utah teachers are reacting to a Tennessee school district’s request to stop posting Amazon Wish Lists.

Each school year, many educators spend their own money on classroom supplies. 

Utah teacher Maggie Hislop said the policy would be frustrating. In 2024, she lacked many essential supplies that the district didn’t provide. 

“That really depends on the district,” she said. “They don’t really advertise what the district is willing to buy or not, and there are hoops to jump through to get that … If someone’s willing to buy it off of Amazon, it’s easier to do it that way.”

The Lewis County District in Tennessee says the decision was made in part because they have no way to verify how these donations are being used.                           

Wish lists fill supply gaps

Hannah Nelson, a recent BYU graduate preparing to teach social sciences, shared her classroom supplies wish list on Instagram.

“Nobody is requiring anybody to buy things from the wish list,” she said. “If someone wants to donate and they feel so inclined, it is certainly very, very helpful — not only for the teacher but also for the students.”

Nelson said wish lists are a way to provide an equal education in poorer school districts.

In a statement, the Lewis County School District in Tennessee said teachers’ use of wish lists can create the perception that donors are providing items the district refuses to supply.

Related: Utah students could earn money for good attendance

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