Editorial

$107,400-A-Year Teacher Says Teachers Must Work Second Job To Support Families

Union says she drives for Uber on weekends

The Michigan Education Association posted a story on its website about a “walk-in” protest by teachers at the Utica school district demanding that the state “fully fund” their schools.

In the story, the president of union’s local arm, Liza Parkinson, says teachers must work second jobs to support their families.

“Teachers are actively pursuing second jobs to support their families,” said Parkinson, who drives for Uber and Shipt on the weekends, according to the MEA.

ForTheRecord says: Parkinson made $107,402 in the 2016-17 school year, according to the state of Michigan.

The MEA story featured four other teachers who also complained that the state does not spend enough on public schools. Here are their salaries:

Julie Wright: $95,741

Anthony Adamo: $92,382

KrysAnna Pericak: $92,005

Michele Santiago: $67,076

Utica Community Schools has been among the best-paying school districts in the state. Michigan's average teacher salary in 2016-17 (most recent year data is available) was $62,280, according to the Michigan Department of Education.

Michigan Capitol Confidential is the news source produced by the Mackinac Center for Public Policy. Michigan Capitol Confidential reports with a free-market news perspective.