Teacher tutors for rent sparks pay and cost of living talk

**Conroe Teacher’s Viral TikTok Ignites National Debate Over Educator Pay and Cost of Living**

CONROE, TX – A Conroe Independent School District teacher’s candid TikTok video about her struggle to afford rent has gone viral, sparking a massive national conversation about the financial realities facing educators and the escalating cost of living. Ashley Doolittle, a fifth-grade science teacher at Wilkinson Elementary School, posted a video in early May detailing the demanding side hustle she maintains simply to cover her basic housing expenses.

Doolittle’s video, shared under the handle @ashley_doolittle, quickly amassed over 3.2 million views and thousands of comments, resonating deeply with teachers and others grappling with stagnant wages amidst rising costs. In the video, Doolittle explained that her modest one-bedroom apartment in Montgomery County costs her $1,475 each month. To bridge the gap between her teacher salary and this expense, she has been tutoring students outside of school hours for approximately two years, earning an additional $1,000 monthly. This commitment often extends her workday to 12 hours, combining her classroom responsibilities with her private tutoring sessions.

“It’s disheartening to dedicate yourself to educating the next generation and still find yourself working a second job just to keep a roof over your head,” Doolittle stated in her widely shared video, articulating a sentiment echoed by many educators across the country.

While Conroe ISD’s current teacher salary schedule ranges from $62,000 to $81,000 depending on experience, Doolittle’s account highlights how, for many, this income is increasingly insufficient to comfortably afford basic living expenses in the rapidly growing Houston metropolitan area. According to recent data from ApartmentList.com, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Montgomery County in April 2024 hovered around $1,400, making Doolittle’s rent figure reflective of market realities and a significant portion of a typical teacher’s take-home pay.

The video has brought renewed attention to a persistent issue in Texas, a state known for its relatively low teacher salaries compared to the national average. Data from the Texas Education Agency shows that while average teacher salaries have seen modest increases, they often lag behind other states, contributing to challenges in teacher recruitment and retention, particularly in high-growth districts like Conroe ISD.

“Ashley Doolittle’s story isn’t unique; it’s a symptom of a larger systemic issue,” said Dr. Elena Rodriguez, a local education policy analyst. “Teachers are often asked to do more with less, and when their dedication isn’t met with a living wage, it impacts morale, burnout rates, and ultimately, the quality of education our students receive. We risk losing passionate educators to professions that offer greater financial stability.”

The overwhelming response to Doolittle’s video included thousands of comments from fellow teachers sharing similar struggles, with many detailing their own second jobs ranging from bartending and retail to ride-sharing and adjunct instructing. Parents and community members also weighed in, expressing shock and concern over the financial pressures placed on those educating their children.

Conroe ISD has not officially commented on the specifics of Doolittle’s situation but routinely emphasizes its commitment to competitive salaries within state funding limitations. The district, like many others in Texas, faces the challenge of balancing budget constraints with the need to attract and retain highly qualified educators in a competitive housing market.

As the video continues to circulate and fuel discussion, it serves as a powerful reminder of the economic pressures facing many essential workers, particularly teachers, and the ongoing debate about how to ensure their salaries reflect the invaluable contribution they make to society. For Ashley Doolittle, the viral moment has transformed her personal struggle into a public platform, pushing for a broader reevaluation of how society values its educators.