Second jobs are very popular among teachers especially when they work at small schools. These jobs are used to help pay for necessities and have more financial support.
Elementary school guidance counselor Vicky Lopez is a tax associate for HR Block. She said that she likes to show others how tax breaks benefit individuals.
“I enjoy explaining how tax breaks help individuals receive a bigger refund when filing their taxes,” Lopez said. “It’s a great feeling to see individuals happy when filing taxes.”
Technology director Karen Brunker teaches piano lessons as a second job. She said she has advice for teachers that are considering picking up a second job. Brunker also said she enjoys seeing kids succeed.
“Find something that you love and is a passion,” Brunker said. “I love to see it when kids put some pieces together and that ‘light bulb’ moment happens.”
Special Education Coordinator Beverly Myers manages a municipal pool and splash pad as well as teaching swim lessons before pool hours. Myers said that she was motivated to start a second job because she likes to spend money on many things.
“I do like to shop and spend money,” Myers said. “So I always need to supplement my teacher’s salary so I can shop for all things bougie.”
High school algebra teacher Cerise Wuthrich used to teach two D

evelopmental Math classes in the evenings. Wuthrich said that there are both pros and cons to having a second job.
“The con is that you are really tired after a full day of teaching, and then you have to keep going and teach some more,” Wuthrich said. “The pro was that I was making extra money and I was paying into TRS (Teacher Retirement System) and Social Security.”
Journalism adviser Carol Cox is an Uber driver. She said that her second job helps her daughter with college.
“As a single mom who is trying to put a daughter through college,” Cox said, “I needed to supplement my teacher salary.”
Cox said she hoped the Texas legislature would approve pay raises this session.
“Since the state has not given teachers a raise since 2019 and the cost of living has increased dramatically after the pandemic,” Cox said, “our salaries have not kept up with the increased prices of life.”