Is Teaching an Engine of Upward Economic Mobility? Findings from the 2025 State of the American Teacher Survey
Abstract
This report uses 2025 State of the American Teacher survey data to measure public school teachers’ economic mobility compared to similar working adults. Teachers and similar adults reported whether they are better off financially than their parents were when they—the respondents—were in high school. Understanding the extent to which, and for whom, teaching can be an engine for upward economic mobility can inform recruitment and retention.
Fields of Study & Subjects
School Choice and Performance
Intergenerational and Educational Inequality Studies
Global Educational Policies and Reforms
Publication details
- Journal / source
- RAND Corporation eBooks
- Publication date
- 1 January 2026
- Language
- EN
- Document type
- Book