Republic: Many teachers hold second jobs

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Wed, 07/05/2017 - 07:46

The Arizona Republic reported that many educators have multiple sources of income, whether during the school year or the summer months.

That reality, and relatively low pay for teachers in Arizona, has pushed education funding — and specifically teacher pay — to the top of many people's agendas for helping improve the state's schools.

It's not clear exactly how many teachers hold second jobs because such data does not appear to exist. Anecdotal evidence abounds, however.

Arizona is among the worst in the nation in terms of paying its teachers; the state ranks 50th in elementary teacher salary. The lowest-paid teachers, likely newcomers with less experience, are making 9 percent less than the national average.

And the highest-paid ones, often veteran teachers, are making 28 percent less, according to Morrison Institute at Arizona State University.

READ: Teachers across Arizona work multiple jobs to make ends meet