Survey: PA teachers cite stress, side jobs, Trump-era struggles

A new survey from the American Federation of Teachers revealed Pennsylvania educators are stressed, working second jobs and concerned about Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity traumatizing families.

The union polled more than 2,000 members and found nearly two-thirds rate their weekly stress at a 7 of 10 or higher.

Melissa Cropper, vice president of the federation, said the findings reflect what teachers across the country are experiencing.

"The survey is showing that the Trump policies are having a negative impact on teachers. 61% described the administration's impact as very negative, 16% said it's somewhat negative. This is an uptick even from last year," Cropper reported.

Nearly half of respondents specifically pinned higher gas and grocery prices on President Donald Trump and Republicans, with 28% naming government policies and leadership in general.

More from this section

When presidents ban journalists from the White House, the First Amendment is not the only constitutional right at stake

How ‘To Catch a Predator’ indulged America’s appetite for humiliation and punishment

Helena airport emergency drill tests response coordination

She pointed out teachers are concerned about the weakening of school funding, continued pressure to privatize education and the cost-of-living squeeze. One English teacher reported having no books except textbooks because of book bans. The survey found 31% of teachers said they are likely to step away from teaching in the next year. Just 36% said they would recommend their job to their own kids.

Cropper explained teachers are saying they are tired of trying to comply with policies tying their hands and keeping them from teaching effectively.

"They still actually love working with the students when they have the freedom to teach the way that they want to teach but the pressures are just becoming too much and they're ready to leave the profession," Cropper observed.

To help keep teachers in Pennsylvania classrooms, Gov. Josh Shapiro’s 2026 to 2027 budget includes an additional $10 million for the Student Teacher Stipend Program.

Artificial intelligence is another concern for some union members. In the survey, 28% said AI is weakening students’ critical thinking and social skills, while 15% cited cheating and another 15% noted their schools lack clear AI policies or staff training. Still, almost a quarter of teachers feel AI is not a major concern.