It’s tough being a teacher — and even tougher living on a teacher’s salary

Compelling personal stories
told by the people living them.

I have been teaching in the Pittsburgh area for the past decade. I chose a career in public education because I couldn’t imagine a better way to change the world.

Teachers educate and inspire the young people who will be the leaders of tomorrow. When I walk into my classroom, I’m witnessing the future take shape.

But it’s tough being a teacher, and it’s even tougher living on a teacher’s salary.

I hold certifications in elementary education, special education and English as a Second Language [ESL]. My bachelor’s degree is from Robert Morris University, and my master’s is from Waynesburg University. I paid my own way through college and graduate school, and today I owe about $130,000 in student loan debt.

With my degrees, my certifications and my decade of experience, would you believe that my salary is about $43,000 per year? I teach fifth-grade math in the Clairton City schools, but you don’t need a math degree to know that after I pay my $650 student loan payment, there isn’t a whole lot left to cover my other monthly expenses.