During Teacher Appreciation Week, educators often receive gifts such as apples, mugs, and gift cards from students and their families. However, union leaders argue that, for many teachers, this outpouring of gratitude does not offset the financial challenges and pressures they face the rest of the year.
For years, K-12 teachers have struggled with multiple challenges in underfunded schools, including low salaries, large class sizes, and unreimbursed out-of-pocket costs for student supplies and snacks. Additionally, intense scrutiny of their teaching methods and proposed cuts to federal funding for schools and educational programs have left many teachers feeling demoralized, according to union leaders.
Becky Pringle, President of the National Education Association, emphasized that this situation represents a crisis for the country, stressing the urgent need for support for teachers. “Our teachers are feeling overwhelmed by the attacks and discouraged by the lack of support in many places,” she said.
Regarding salaries, the median pay for public school teachers in 2024 was approximately $62,000, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Randi Weingarten, President of the American Federation of Teachers, noted that public school teachers could earn up to 24% more in the private sector given their skill sets and the time they dedicate to their jobs. However, many choose to remain in the profession because of the difference they make in students’ lives.
Weingarten also highlighted the teacher shortage in public schools, which impacts the quality of education, as large class sizes prevent teachers from meeting individual students’ needs.
Regarding federal budget cuts, the previous administration signed executive orders aimed at eliminating diversity and inclusion initiatives in K-12 schools and reducing the budget of the Department of Education. In 2022, this department provided 13.6% of the total funding for public K-12 schools. Proposed cuts for fiscal year 2026 amount to around $12 billion, with the majority affecting K-12 education funding.
Moreover, teachers already feel stretched thin, as many spend a significant portion of their own money on students. Pringle estimated that teachers spend around $450 per year out of pocket, while Weingarten indicated that figure exceeds $1,000. This situation is even more difficult in low-income areas, where teachers often provide more resources for their students. Pringle encouraged students and their families to return the support to teachers by writing letters and emails to their representatives, posting on social media, and personalizing gifts during Teacher Appreciation Week.
