Oklahoma teacher turns to panhandling to raise money for classroom supplies

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TULSA, Okla. — A Tulsa, Oklahoma teacher is making a bold statement about the state of education as she pleads for money at an intersection to pay for classroom supplies.

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Teresa Danks is a third-grade teacher in the Tulsa Public Schools system.

As a result of serious education budget cuts, Danks said she is now spending between $2,000 and $3,000 of her $35,000 salary on supplies for her students.

“It all adds up week after week and month after month,” Danks said. “So, it’s a huge need.”

Danks said she decided to ask the public for help after she learned lawmakers weren’t going to help her.

In six minutes Tuesday, the veteran teacher made $55 standing on the street corner near 193rd East Avenue and I-44, more than double what she makes per hour in the classroom.

Danks said she was overwhelmed by the response, and she became emotional talking about it.

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