NPR

Teachers With Student Debt: These Are Their Stories

If you're a teacher, you have one of the lowest-paid professional jobs in the U.S. Most require a four-year degree, which can require tens of thousands of dollars in loans that some struggle to repay.
Source: Lilli Carré for NPR

Teachers have one of the lowest-paid professional jobs in the U.S. You need a bachelor's degree, which can be costly — an equation that often means a lot of student loans. We've reported on the factors that make this particular job even more vulnerable to a ton of debt, including chronically low teacher pay, the increasing pressure to get a master's degree and the many ways to repay loans or apply for loan forgiveness.

More than 2,000 teachers responded to our first survey about the issue, and we're following up to hear a few of their stories:

is a 10th-grade English teacher in Oklahoma City with 10 years of experience. She's married and lives with her husband,

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from NPR

NPR3 min read
Justice Thomas Decries 'Nastiness' And 'Lies' Against Him
The Supreme Court justice told attendees at a judicial conference that he and his wife have faced "nastiness" and "lies" over the last several years and decried Washington as a "hideous place."
NPR4 min read
Senate Passes FAA Reauthorization Bill, Sending Legislation To The House
The Senate passed a bill designed to improve safety and customer service for air travelers, a day before the law governing the Federal Aviation Administration expires.
NPR5 min read
Why Writing By Hand Beats Typing For Thinking And Learning
Researchers are learning that handwriting engages the brain in ways typing can't match, raising questions about the costs of ditching this age-old practice, especially for kids.

Related Books & Audiobooks