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In a tough economy, many U.S. teachers forced to work second jobs

From CBS News · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Many U.S. teachers are struggling financially and working multiple second jobs to make ends meet.
  • A recent report found 21% of teachers surveyed reported financial struggles, with 71% working at least one additional job.
  • Rising inflation, particularly in gas and groceries, is exacerbating financial pressures for educators who also often pay for classroom supplies out of pocket.

Christine Regal, a 54-year-old teacher in Plainfield, New Jersey, loves her job and has been teaching for 26 years. However, her passion for working with children comes with a significant financial burden, forcing her to take on multiple side hustles.

I just love working with kids. I love the kids. I mean, I've been teaching for 26 years, and I still remain in contact with a lot of them.

— Christine RegalRegal describes her long-standing passion for teaching.

Regal performs breakfast and lunch duty at her school, tutors students after class, and works part-time as a waitress at the Cheesecake Factory. This is a widespread issue, according to the annual Walton Family Foundation-Gallup Teaching for Tomorrow report. The March report indicated that 21% of surveyed K-12 public school teachers admitted to financial struggles, and a striking 71% reported holding at least one second job.

I'm getting hit everywhere.

— Christine RegalRegal explains the impact of rising costs on her finances.

The current economic climate, marked by rising inflation, is making matters worse. Regal noted the impact of increased costs for essentials, stating, "I'm getting hit everywhere." She recently spent $70 on gas and $160 for two grocery bags. Teachers like Regal also often spend their own money on classroom supplies, with Regal budgeting up to $1,500 annually. She and her co-teacher have discussed cutting back on supplies due to financial strain, especially as her co-teacher recently had a baby.

Just this past weekend, it cost me $70 to put gas in my car. Last night, I went grocery shopping, two bags of groceries, $160. That's where I'm getting hit.

— Christine RegalRegal details recent expenses due to inflation.

Regal, who is single, plans to continue working and saving with the hope that her financial situation will improve by the time she reaches retirement age of 60. She will continue waitressing for extra income during the summer break.

Luckily, I have a co-teacher where we split everything, but I know she's feeling a hit herself and we've already had conversations, like, we're going to have to probably take it easy, especially with her, because she just has a new baby.

— Christine RegalRegal discusses the financial strain on her and her co-teacher, impacting classroom supply decisions.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by CBS News. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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