I'm having a difficult time obtaining classroom supplies and materials at my school. Do I have to buy these items myself?

No. Your school must provide you with basic instructional supplies and books, such as textbooks, paper, chalk, microscopes and math manipulatives. In fact, it's a contractual right. Instructional supplies are part of the system-wide standards and schools are responsible for providing them to teachers and functional chapter employees. 

If you want something beyond these basic supplies, you do have the option to purchase items for your classroom with money from the Teacher's Choice program for which teachers can be reimbursed up to $250 per year (other titles receive less).