Dear Roadie,
My daughter has dreamed of being a teacher since she was old enough to line up her stuffed animals and give them spelling tests. But I keep hearing how tough the profession has become — low pay, burnout, shortages, politicized classrooms. As parents, we want to support our kids’ passions, but we also want them to build stable, sustainable careers. If she chooses teaching, what kind of future is she stepping into? And how do I help her make a smart, informed decision?
— Worried About What Comes Next
Dear Worried About What Comes Next,
You’re asking a question more families are wrestling with than ever before. Teaching has always been one of the most purpose-driven careers out there — meaningful, impactful, deeply human. But the profession your daughter is looking at today is very different from the one many of us grew up with.
So let’s take an honest, hopeful, fully informed look at what’s changed, where teaching is thriving, and how your daughter can pursue this calling in a way that supports both her heart and her long-term stability.
It’s no secret that teachers have been under pressure lately. National surveys show that teacher burnout is at a record high; about 53 percent of teachers reported feeling burned out in a 2025 RAND survey.
The “teacher pay penalty,” which refers to the gap between teacher earnings and the earnings of other college-educated professionals, reached a record high of about 26.9 percent in 2024, with teachers earning roughly 73 cents for every dollar their peers make, according to the Economic Policy Institute.
At the same time, teacher shortages are growing, especially in special education, STEM, and early childhood. In many states, shortages have reached the point of crisis, leading districts to raise salaries, create mentorship pipelines, and add mental health support programs.
In other words, the work is hard, but that also means your daughter’s skills will be badly needed.
Where Teaching Still Shines: States Investing in Teachers
Here’s the part parents often don’t hear: Teaching conditions vary dramatically by state and district. Some states have significantly improved pay and working conditions in response to shortages. For example, Massachusetts, New York, and California consistently rank among the top-paying states for teachers, but they also have a significantly higher cost of living than many other states. But they’re not the only states raising the pay for teachers. Maryland recently passed the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, aiming to raise teacher salaries to $60,000 minimum statewide.
Colorado, New Mexico, and Tennessee have passed teacher pay increases in the last two years, some exceeding 20 percent.
On the other hand, states like Florida, Arizona, and Mississippi rank among the lowest for average teacher salaries and have had persistent staffing shortages. If your daughter is open to relocating, her earning potential and job satisfaction could look completely different depending on the state or district she chooses.
Teaching Is Changing — And Future Teachers Can Choose Their Path
One misconception is that teaching means “one classroom, one job.” But today’s educators have an expanding set of options, including alternative licensure programs that allow graduates with content expertise, such as math, science, or languages, to start teaching while still completing certification. Special education, bilingual education, STEM, and career/technical education often come with bonuses or loan-forgiveness incentives, and hybrid or nontraditional teaching roles exist, too (think instructional coaching, curriculum development, tutoring companies, online education, or educational technology.
At the time of publication, the federal Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program can significantly reduce long-term debt for educators, at times offering up to $17,500 in debt relief if you teach full-time for five consecutive academic years in a low-income school or educational service agency, and meet other qualifications.
For students entering the profession now, there is a wider landscape of choices than ever before.
So, Should Your Daughter Become a Teacher? Here’s How to Talk About It
Ultimately, the question isn’t “Is teaching worth it?” It’s “What conditions would make teaching worth it for her?” To get the conversation going, try exploring these questions together:
1. What grade levels or subjects interest her most?
Salary, demand, and working conditions differ substantially by specialization. Research the differences together, so you can compare.
2. What states or districts align with her values and offer strong support?
Encourage her to look at state-by-state pay, union protections, and teacher satisfaction data. It’s good to have the full picture, wherever she decides to teach.
3. Is she energized by helping kids learn, even during stressful moments?
Teaching is emotionally demanding. Passion helps, but so do boundaries and support systems.
4. What does she want her long-term career to look like?
Teaching can be a launchpad to leadership roles, curriculum design, counseling, or administration. You don’t have to remain a classroom teacher forever, which can provide more stability and perhaps even longevity, especially if she gets burnt out.
5. Can she take advantage of scholarships or loan-forgiveness programs?
Many states offer full tuition for future teachers who commit to teaching locally after graduation. It’s worth looking into what states have the best programs.
These conversations can help teens envision the real version of their dream — not the TV version, nor the horror-story version — and make an empowered, informed choice.
Teaching today is challenging, yes. But it is also full of purpose, innovation, and opportunity, especially for young people entering the field with fresh energy and realistic expectations.
If your daughter feels called to this work, the next step is helping her map a path that protects her financial well-being, honors her values, and allows her to thrive.
The world can always use more great teachers.
_______
Use R2C Insights to help find merit aid and schools that fit the criteria most important to your student. You’ll not only save precious time, but your student will avoid the heartache of applying to schools they aren’t likely to get into or can’t afford to attend.
Looking for expert help on the road to college? See our 1-1 Coaching Services.
Other Articles You Might Like:
Dear Roadie: How Do I Help My Teen Choose a Major (Without Pushing Too Much)
Dear Roadie: My Son Wants to Get Married for More Financial Aid. Bad Idea, Right?
What Majors Make the Most Money? Your Guide to the Top 50
JOIN ONE OF OUR FACEBOOK GROUPS & CONNECT WITH OTHER PARENTS:
