Illinois Educators Feeling Financially Squeezed, Many Buying Their Own Supplies, Survey Finds
97% of Educators Spend Their Own Money on Supplies, 94% Work Outside Their Contractual Workday
A recent survey by the Illinois Education Association (IEA) has found that 97% of Illinois educators are personally spending their own money on supplies for their students, while 94% work outside their contractual workday. The survey also revealed that 43% of IEA members have at least one additional job.
The survey comes as the cost of living continues to rise, and educators are feeling the pinch. "The dollar store has been my friend, but it’s not cheap anymore," said Debra Ward Mitchell, a 62-year-old educator who helps run a program for teenage mothers at high schools in Thornton township. She expects to spend around $200 on hats and gloves as gifts for her students this Christmas.
The IEA survey is a cause for concern, as it highlights the financial struggles that many educators are facing. "It’s not right for educators to have to use their own money to provide basic tools to do their jobs," said IEA President Al Llorens. "Everyone deserves to have the basic tools to do their jobs. We know our educators got into these jobs because they wanted to work with students and help their communities, but their good will is being exploited."
The Financial Struggle is Real
Debra Ward Mitchell is just one of many educators who are feeling the financial squeeze. She has been an educator for over 40 years and loves her work, but she is living paycheck to paycheck. "I had a little cushion before, but with prices rising, I’m feeling the brunt of it. It’s been a struggle," she said.
Mitchell spends around $200 on taffy apple ingredients for a school Halloween party and up to $100 per month on books and gift cards to award students with perfect attendance. She also has a part-time job as a notary public and does data entry for a summer youth program.
The Cost of Living is Rising
The cost of living is rising, and educators are feeling the pinch. According to the US Department of Commerce, consumer prices rose 2.3% in October from a year earlier, while the core prices, excluding volatile food and energy categories, climbed 2.8%. The personal consumption expenditures price index, the Federal Reserve’s preferred measure of inflation, also picked up, climbing 2.8% in October from a year earlier.
For Mitchell, the rising costs are having a significant impact on her daily life. She has had to increase her electricity bill to stay warm during the winter months, and her monthly rent has risen from $925 in 2020 to $1,400. She also has to spend more on groceries and other essentials, leaving her with little room to breathe.
Conclusion
The survey highlights the financial struggles that many educators are facing, and the need for a change. As Llorens said, "Everyone deserves to have the basic tools to do their jobs. We know our educators got into these jobs because they wanted to work with students and help their communities, but their good will is being exploited."
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the average teacher salary in Illinois?
A: According to the National Education Association, the average teacher salary in Illinois is $73,916 for the 2022-2023 school year.
Q: How many educators in Illinois work outside their contractual workday?
A: According to the IEA survey, 94% of Illinois educators work outside their contractual workday.
Q: What percentage of educators in Illinois spend their own money on supplies?
A: According to the IEA survey, 97% of Illinois educators spend their own money on supplies.
Q: What is the average starting salary for K-12 education support professionals in Illinois?
A: According to the National Education Association, the average starting salary for K-12 education support professionals in Illinois is $34,844 for the 2022-2023 school year.
