Over the past 20 years, Treasures 4 Teachers (T4T) has diverted more than 3 million cubic feet of educational materials from landfills, giving them new life in Arizona classrooms.

Founded in the garage of a preschool teacher, the nonprofit has grown into a vital resource for educators across the state, offering low-cost or free supplies to help stock their classrooms.

Donations come from individuals, businesses, and schools, ranging from art supplies and office materials to educational tools. By repurposing these items, T4T helps ensure that classrooms are equipped with the necessary resources, easing the financial burden on educators.

The Importance of Circular Economy in Education

T4T is a model of how a circular economy can benefit both education and the environm

ent. The organization plays a crucial role in reducing waste and promoting the reuse of materials that might otherwise end up in landfills. 

“If you teach someone, we will not turn you away,” said Chloe Calissi, marketing and communications coordinator at T4T. “It started with just teachers, but we discovered that teaching has changed over 20 years so you have to change.”

When items donated to T4T cannot be used in classrooms, they are repurposed through partnerships with other organizations. Depending on the condition T4T redirects them to different partners. 

For example, items that are in good but non-educational condition often go to Big Brothers Big Sisters, while broken electronics are sent to a local rage room, where people can safely smash them as a form of stress relief. This careful sorting ensures that nearly nothing goes to waste and every donation finds a second life in one form or another.

By contributing to a circular economy, T4T benefits the environment, teachers, and students alike. Each pencil, notebook, or marker that finds its way into a classroom instead of a landfill helps reduce waste while supporting Arizona’s educators.

Affordable Access for Educators

T4T offers a range of affordable membership options, ensuring accessibility for educators across Arizona. For just $35 a year, members can shop as often as they like, gathering supplies to meet their classroom needs. Tempe and Scottsdale teachers get an added benefit—free memberships, thanks to local community support.

“Teachers spend so much out of their pocket, that’s why we want to be here to help them,” said Poonam Rathi, director of operations and strategy. 

T4T has become more than just a supply store for teachers—it’s a lifeline that provides crucial resources while easing the personal financial burden many educators face.

As T4T continues to divert materials from landfills and support teachers in need, its impact grows—not only on the environment, but also on the education system and the future of Arizona.