PLAINFIELD, NJ – Despite a 26-year career dedicated to education, a local elementary school teacher is sharing her struggle to survive under the weight of rising inflation, forcing her to take on multiple side jobs.
The Reality Of Modern Teaching
For 54-year-old Christine Regal, teaching in Plainfield was a childhood dream. However, her devotion to her students now requires a demanding routine of side hustles just to pay the bills.
To supplement her income, Regal handles breakfast and lunch duties at her school, tutors students afterward, and works part-time as a waitress at the Cheesecake Factory. When the school year ends for the summer, her shifts at the restaurant will become her primary focus.
Rising Costs Hit Local Educators
The financial strain comes as the Labor Department reports a 4.2% annual increase in the Consumer Price Index, marking a significant wave of inflation.
For a single person like Regal, the daily impact is staggering:
- Gas: $70 to fill up her car tank.
- Groceries: $160 for just two bags of everyday items.
- Classroom Supplies: Up to $1,500 of her own money spent annually to supplement her classroom.
Regal splits some school costs with a co-teacher, but notes that everyone is feeling the pinch—especially her colleague, who recently welcomed a new baby.
A Widespread Problem
Regal’s situation reflects a massive national trend highlighted in the annual Walton Family Foundation-Gallup report:
- 21% of K-12 public school teachers say they are actively struggling financially.
- 71% of surveyed teachers admit they must work at least one second job to make ends meet.
Regal says she plans to “keep hustling” and hopes to finally retire at age 60 if her savings allow.
