Published: August 1, 1990

Making Ends Meet

"I have student loans that are just incredible; I don't even have a savings account,'' says Cahill, who lives with her parents to save money. "All these people think teachers have it so easy. They say, 'Oh, they only work nine months a year, only six hours a day.' Well, I'd like to see them do it.

"There are a lot of times when I contemplate going into sales or doing something more visible, more glamorous. But then I think: 'What about my kids? Who'll take my kids?''

Dedication to her pupils and a strong love of teaching keep Cahill going at a pace that is not uncommon among...