I’m a Teacher and…

Educators by Moonlight

Social Issues – It is completely befuddling that educators, of all people, are being forced to take up second jobs just to make ends meet. Regardless of all the obvious things that are wrong with that statement, it’s a fact that second jobs are becoming increasingly common in the realms of public educators. It certainly calls into question America’s appreciation for education, for teaching is surely one of the key elements in shaping the future of our world.

Miami Dade American history teacher Wade Brosz works three nights a week at a local gym while his teaching salary is frozen for the summer. He and his wife, also an educator, are striving to live comfortably. Imagine two people, both carrying degrees in education, having to take up part-time positions.

Brosz commented on his situation-a predicament that is all too common in modern-day education, “The second job was to get back what was lost through cuts. It was tougher and tougher to make ends meet. I started personal training because it’s flexible hours.”

Historically, teachers have been paid less than other professionals-

back in 1981, 11 percent of teachers were moonlighting. For every one teacher that had to take up a second job 30 years ago, five-yes, five-are moonlighting in 2011. Since salary cuts have become more severe than ever, the number of teachers reporting holding second positions increased just between 2004-2008. In Texas, the percentage of teachers who were forced to have second-jobs increased from 1981’s 22 percent to a jaw-dropping forty-one percent as of 2010.

Middle school teacher Albert Ochoa comments on the cuts, as he works night shifts with UPS just to earn the 2 grand he needs to support his wife who is on medical disability, “I’ve had opportunities to go work full time at UPS and do other things. But I enjoy what I do. I like teaching.”

Read more at Huffington Post.