Christine Regal, a dedicated teacher from Plainfield, New Jersey, started her career with a clear passion for education. Describing her love for working with children, Regal, now 54, has been teaching for 26 years. During this time, she has maintained connections with many of her former students.
Despite her commitment to teaching, Regal has found it necessary to take on various side jobs. She fulfills breakfast and lunch duties at her elementary school, provides tutoring after school, and works part-time at the Cheesecake Factory. These extra roles have become crucial for managing her finances.
According to the Walton Family Foundation-Gallup Teaching for Tomorrow report released in March, financial struggle is a common concern among educators. The survey showed that 21% of K-12 public school teachers feel financially strained. Furthermore, 71% reported working at least one secondary job.
Recent figures from the Labor Department highlight the challenges Regal faces. In May, the Consumer Price Index saw a significant increase of 4.2% compared to the previous year. This represents the highest inflation rate since April 2023. Regal shared her experiences, noting the financial burden she encounters regularly. “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,” she explained.
During the summer break, Regal continues waitressing for additional income. Besides personal expenses, she allocates up to $1,500 of her own money annually for classroom supplies, sharing costs with a co-teacher. “Luckily, I have a co-teacher where we split everything,” Regal said, acknowledging her co-worker’s financial strain, especially with the recent arrival of a new baby.
Single and planning for retirement, Regal aims to retire at age 60. She intends to persist with her multiple jobs and save diligently, hoping for better financial conditions by then. “I’m going to just keep hustling and just keep putting money away,” says Regal, looking forward to a future where her financial situation improves.