She Strengthens

Teaching: A Passion That Pays

As a teacher, I’ve had the privilege of wearing many hats – poetry editor, cheesemonger, corporate copywriter, French-to-English translator, babysitter, and more. But through it all, teaching has remained a constant thread, energizing me with every question my students ask. It’s a passion that not only sustains me emotionally but also financially, allowing me to pursue my artistic endeavors.

A Freelance Teaching Career

My path to teaching has been unconventional, to say the least. I’ve never taught traditional academic classes in a school setting, instead opting for freelance tutoring and teaching gigs. This non-traditional approach has sparked my curiosity about full-time, in-class teaching careers. Can they provide a financially and emotionally sustainable lifestyle? To find out, I reached out to teachers like Adrienne S., who shared her insights on teaching, finances, and more.

A Teacher’s Financial Reality

Adrienne S., a social studies teacher in upstate New York, earns $43,500 annually, which allows her to live comfortably. Her school’s cost-of-living raise and relatively low cost of living in the area contribute to her financial stability. While private school teachers’ salaries are typically lower than those in public schools, Adrienne’s school makes up for it with “added benefits” like fewer teaching days and opportunities for extra income through tutoring and extracurricular activities.

The Impact of Affluence

Adrienne teaches at a private Catholic school, where the affluent student body and community present both advantages and challenges. On one hand, parents are highly involved in their children’s education, and the administration’s standards are high. On the other hand, Adrienne must navigate the privilege that comes with teaching in an affluent community, ensuring her students understand their social responsibility and the realities of economic inequality.

Financial Goals and Professional Aspirations

Adrienne’s financial goals include paying off her student loans, finishing her car payment, building an emergency fund, and saving for a house. Professionally, she aims to perfect her classroom management, teach more challenging curricula, and eventually instruct AP United States History. Despite the challenges, Adrienne has never regretted becoming a teacher, citing the dynamic nature of the job and the opportunity to shape young minds.

Overcoming Professional Challenges

Adrienne’s biggest professional challenge has evolved over time, from classroom management to navigating relationships with administrators and parents. She must strike a balance between asserting her authority as a qualified teacher and meeting the needs of her stakeholders. This delicate balance will likely remain a focus throughout her career.

A Teacher’s Passion

Adrienne’s story highlights the rewards and challenges of a teaching career. While it may not be the most lucrative profession, teaching offers a sense of fulfillment and purpose that’s hard to find elsewhere. As Adrienne so eloquently puts it, “Teaching is the OPPOSITE of a ‘boring desk job.’” It’s a calling that requires dedication, passion, and a willingness to make a difference in the lives of others.