Teachers use second jobs, debt to manage finances

A substantial number of U.S. teachers work second jobs and have taken on debt to manage their finances, reveals a new survey conducted by Ipsos in partnership with NPR. The findings highlight ongoing financial pressures faced by educators.

According to the poll, 59% of teachers have worked a second job during their careers to supplement their income, and nearly half (46%) have incurred debt for the same reason. In the past year alone, 36% of teachers have gone into debt. Additionally, 86% have purchased school supplies out of their own pockets, and 77% dedicate personal time to assist students outside of school hours.

The survey also found that 82% of teachers believe public school educators have a right to strike, a sentiment echoed by three-quarters of the general American public. However, only one in four Americans believe teachers are paid fairly.

Views on teachers' unions differ. While 73% of unionized teachers feel unions enhance teacher quality, only 51% of non-unionized teachers agree. Both groups, however, concur that unions make it harder to fire underperforming teachers.

The poll, conducted in April 2018 with 504 teachers, provides insight into the financial realities and professional sentiments of educators across the United States.