Challenges Mount for Teachers Amid Financial Pressures and Policy Changes
As Teacher Appreciation Week unfolds, educators across the nation are receiving tokens of gratitude such as apples, mugs, and gift cards. However, these gestures do little to alleviate the mounting pressures they face throughout the year, according to union leaders.
Teachers have long contended with significant challenges in underfunded schools, including low wages, overcrowded classrooms, and the burden of covering student supplies out of their own pockets. Recent developments, including intense scrutiny of teaching methods and proposed federal funding cuts by the Trump administration, have further demoralized educators.
Becky Pringle, President of the National Education Association, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “That’s a crisis for our country. We need to have teachers.” She noted that teachers feel overwhelmed by the lack of support and constant attacks on their profession.
Salaries Lag Behind Teachers’ Skills
The median salary for a public K-12 school teacher was approximately $62,000 in 2024, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Randi Weingarten, President of the American Federation of Teachers, highlighted that teachers could potentially earn 24% more in non-teaching roles within the private sector, given their skills and dedication.
Despite these financial disparities, many educators remain committed to their roles because of the impact they have on students’ lives. However, Weingarten pointed out that there is a shortage of teachers, which affects class sizes and the quality of education students receive.
Federal Funding Under Threat
President Trump’s recent executive orders aim to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in K-12 schools and to dismantle the Department of Education. The department accounted for around 13.6% of total public K-12 school funding in 2022, according to the Census Bureau.
Trump’s proposed budget cuts would reduce the Education Department’s funding by $12 billion, with a significant portion impacting K-12 education. The White House claims the budget proposal would provide states with streamlined, flexible funding and reduce federal administrative costs.
Pringle expressed concern over these potential cuts, stating, “When you see the federal government, this administration, threatening to pull back on those funds… it’s a lot.”
Teachers Feeling Overwhelmed
Pringle and Weingarten noted that teachers often spend between $450 and $1,000 annually from their own funds to support their classrooms. Pringle recalled buying supplies for her students’ projects and emphasized that teachers in lower-income areas face even greater financial burdens.
Pringle urged students and families to support their teachers by advocating for them through letters, social media, and personalized appreciation gifts. “Put a handwritten note in that mug and say, ‘You know what? We see you, and we care about you,'” she suggested.
Weingarten added, “You’re seeing this over and over and over again that people in communities know the importance of teachers and the importance of public schools. But they need to be supported 365 days a year, not just one day a year.”
