A favorite memory from middle school was dissecting a frog in my anatomy class.

I would take forceps in one hand and a scalpel in the other, as if they were silverware, and gaze at the formaldehyde-scented amphibians, ready to dig in.

Despite choosing a career in financial services, I retain a great interest in science, which began in those days of frog dissection.

Teachers, like the ones shown at this rally, often spend their own salaries on classroom supplies.

Susan Kay Anderson

My hands-on frog anatomy lesson is not one that every youngster gets to learn.

For most kids today, my story of cutting up frogs in the classroom is nothing more than another “old-timer’s tale.”

And I’m not even that old.

Today’s teachers usually aren’t given the resources or the funds for these interactive projects.

In fact, with budget cuts and increased prices for supplies, teachers are spending more money out of their own pockets for their students than ever before.

A study by the National School Supply and Equipment Association in 2013 revealed that teachers nationwide are the main source of funding for classroom projects. A shocking 92 percent of teachers pay for their own classroom supplies, and 85 percent pay for instructional materials for their students.

Hawaii is no exception. The Hawaii State Teachers Association conducted a survey two years ago that showed that teachers spend $250 to $500 a year on additional supplies for their students.

We at Hawaii State Federal Credit Union were taken aback by this information and then were galvanized to act. In 2009, we began a grant program to recognize and appreciate the extraordinary effort and sacrifice of Hawaii’s public school teachers.

Since then we’ve given more than $117,000 to teachers in Hawaii public schools to help them get much needed supplies, books, furniture, electronics equipment and basic necessities for the classroom. Last year nearly $20,000 went to teachers and 43 projects in 35 public schools on Oahu and Maui.

This year we hope to help even more teachers.

We just opened our application period, which continues until Oct. 31.

Teachers who are Hawaii State Federal Credit Union members can receive grants up to $500 just by submitting an application and an essay detailing the needs, goals and uses of the money to improve student learning.

We’d rather have teachers dip into our pocket — well, our grants program pocket — to earn nearly a whole year’s worth of basic school supplies and instructional materials. We simply want to hear their need for resources.

Our “Investing in Education” program (formerly called the Helping Hands grant program) aims to provide teachers with the resources to do the best job.

This is not only an act of kindness; it’s an investment.

www.hawaiistatefcu.com