Public school teachers work side hustles to meet everyday costs

Salt Lake City — A Pew Research Center Survey finds 51% of public school teachers are not satisfied with how much they are paid.

The research also found 16% of public school teachers work side hustles during the summer while 17% work them during the school year.

One-in-six public elementary and secondary school teachers work side hustles, some work multiple extra jobs. Like Jordan School District music teacher, Michael Draut.

“I wake up at 5:30 in the morning and I work in my closet doing a sales rep job for an hour. And then I ride public transit to be able to work on my phone remotely on my way to work,” said Draut. 

Draut also teaches piano, voice and guitar lessons. He hasn’t taken a vacation in 11-years since he started teaching.

Another teacher in the Garfield School District says many teachers also work on ranches and in restaurants because though the district is rural, it’s also in a very touristy area which pushes up the costs for their everyday needs.

 

Related: Utah teachers spend their own money on classroom supplies