For many aspiring teachers, the path to the classroom is becoming increasingly difficult.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Between the cost of credential programs and California’s rising cost of living, some educators say the financial pressure is pushing them to reconsider the profession before their careers even begin.<\/p>\n
At Hollywood Park Elementary School in Sacramento, second-grade intern teacher Anthony Pagliassotto spends his days helping students learn the value of money, counting coins, solving problems, and building confidence in the classroom.<\/p>\n
But outside of school, Pagliassotto has been doing his own kind of math.<\/p>\n
Trying to balance tuition costs, debt, and everyday expenses while completing his teaching credential nearly forced him to step away from the profession he loves.<\/p>\n
“At the money you are paid right away, there’s not buying a house, there’s not buying more than a practical vehicle,” Pagliassotto said.<\/p>\n
Like many educators, he faced the steep cost of becoming a teacher. Credential programs can range from $20,000 to $40,000, depending on the school and living expenses.<\/p>\n
A state grant initially helped cover the cost of his credential program, but when that funding ended near the finish line, he had to quickly adapt.<\/p>\n
“When it dried up, I had to shift gears completely and become completely independent and self-efficient to find a way to pay for school,” he said.<\/p>\n
Even during the toughest moments, Pagliassotto said that giving up was never truly an option.<\/p>\n
“It was never I wasn’t going to do this anymore. It was more of, ‘Am I able to maintain the ability to keep going?’ ” he said.<\/p>\n
Through the uncertainty, music became an outlet that helped him stay grounded.<\/p>\n
When financial challenges mounted, Pagliassotto turned to SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union for support.<\/p>\n
At the Roseville branch, manager Travis Marra said many teachers across California are facing similar financial stress as inflation and interest rates continue to impact affordability.<\/p>\n
“We live in a very expensive state and that hasn’t gotten any cheaper. Over the past couple of years we kind of saw rates increase,” Marra said.<\/p>\n
According to a 2025 report from the Learning Policy Institute, more than six in 10 teachers took out student loans to pay for their education.<\/p>\n
Marra said SchoolsFirst is working to support educators with financial tools and programs designed to help them stay on track.<\/p>\n
“We’re rolling out a first-time homeowner grant for about 266 members. It’s a way for us to give back and help for that,” Marra said.<\/p>\n
Back in the classroom, Pagliassotto’s students proudly hold up their coins as they work through lessons together.<\/p>\n
For a teacher who nearly couldn’t afford to continue his journey, those small moments now mean everything.<\/p>\n
“I knew for a fact that it would be a struggle, but it was worth it,” Pagliassotto said.<\/p>\n
Pagliassotto is expected to finish his teaching credential in June and begin his master’s program in August.<\/p>\n
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