The average American teacher makes $72,000, but one in three are so broke they're taking on side hustles like Uber driving.

This article focuses on the financial challenges faced by K–12 teachers in the United States, highlighting that over half report merely "getting by" financially despite average salaries above the national median wage. Many educators supplement their income through side jobs, both related and unrelated to teaching, due to stagnant or declining real wages and significant student loan debt. While teaching remains attractive to some younger workers, including a 43% increase in Teach for America recruits, many educators are considering leaving the profession amid growing job demands and insufficient financial support. The rise of side gigs among teachers reflects broader workforce trends, particularly among Gen Z, who prioritize diverse income sources and personal fulfillment, though for teachers this often stems from economic necessity rather than choice. [Extracted from the article]