Employment Spot

137 Responses for "Teacher Salaries by State"

• saeed December 28th, 2007 at 3:07 pm 1

  solidworks teacher

• Shirley December 29th, 2007 at 7:26 pm 2

  Hi I wouldn’t now if the recent you are talking about is 2007 or what year was it? I found no concluding date with this article. Please email me. I am making a research for ave sal and beg sal for Connecticut teachers. Thanks.

• Jamie March 2nd, 2008 at 9:05 am 3

  How can I find a current list of average teacher salaries for every US state. I’m currently teaching in Maryland and we are not receiving raises, therefore I need to find low cost of living and decent salaries.

• kesh April 24th, 2008 at 9:40 am 4

  crikey. you should all emigrate. teachers’ salaries average $70,000 in the uk

• James May 6th, 2008 at 5:58 am 5

  Unfortunately, this entire article is a little off. Sure the average pay is that high…but that is including the pay of supervisors and principles that never even teach a student. The average pay for a teacher with a B.S. degree in Mississippi? Just over 20k, yet their average supervisor pay? Near 40-50k. Its all a cleverly designed myth” to avoid having tax payers ask for more money in education.

  Wake up America – your government has been at social war with you for decades.

• tanasha May 13th, 2008 at 1:06 pm 6

  This was a great refrence thank you.

• Kristina May 14th, 2008 at 5:00 pm 7

  I just looked at North Carolina’s teacher’s salary for 2007-2008 on their website and they had $58,000 (based off 31 years of experience) w/ just a Bachelor’s. $70,000 average in the UK?

• Sheena July 24th, 2008 at 11:34 pm 8

  Assuming the school in which the teacher is employmed is not year round, how does he/she get paid during the summer? How is that worked into the contract?

• Jim July 31st, 2008 at 7:54 pm 9

  I’m moving to the UK…….

• Kerry Gray August 2nd, 2008 at 5:35 pm 10

  I can answer that……….your contract specifies a total number of school days that are worked. For example, just off the wall, you work 252 days which is the actual school year. You get paid ONLY for those 252 days saying that the salary for those days worked is $32,000.

  The $32,000 is then divided by 12 months which gives you salary during the summer when you are teaching. Some people say, you’re so lucky, you get paid during the summer for not working.

  Not the case. The case is you’re getting “less” salary during the months you work because it’s stretched to cover a full year. But I think it works out great.

• Kerry Gray August 2nd, 2008 at 5:36 pm 11

  Oops, mistake in what I posted…….should say “……is then divided by 12 months which gives you salary during the summer when you are NOT teaching……..”

• Tom findjobs August 7th, 2008 at 10:58 am 12

  The salaries vary from county to county. Sometimes even town to town. Generally they are very high in Fairfield County. As you move east and north they are less. But in comparing them to the majority of the country I think we have it pretty good here in Connecticut.

  I am in my 8th year with a Master’s degree and make around 65K. Although that won’t make me rich, I get close to a $5000 raise each year until step 13. Making 90 K in 5 years sounds pretty good to me to have summers off. I am happy with the salary scale.

• Erik August 10th, 2008 at 11:27 am 13

  They use division. If you make 45,000 a year they divide that by 12. And thats how much you make each month.

• Ann August 15th, 2008 at 7:59 pm 14

  I am entering my sixth year of teaching. I receive 59,600 per year. This is for 12months. THis is for 08 09 school. THis is in Calif. I was sur[rise to see how low some states pay.

• Mike August 19th, 2008 at 3:39 pm 15

  It is avg over 12 months.

• Kalin August 21st, 2008 at 7:34 pm 16

  The way a contract works with a teacher (at least in TN) is that you sign to either get paid for the time you are in school or you have the option to get paid weekly in the summer as well (this is the best option). Say you and your next door teacher both graduate college the same year, and you choose to get checks throughout the year and she chooses only the school year option. Your checks might be smaller than the teacher next door to you, but you would get checks in the summer and she wouldn’t.

• Ralston August 26th, 2008 at 5:16 pm 17

  Summer school? 31 years? How could any teacher survive 31 years and teach summer school. . . and not have twitches, grey hair, twitches, and high blood pressure. NC has a base state pay plus a local supplement. Chapel Hill and Wake County (Raleigh) have the highest. Still, you’ll get 5 periods a day, duty during lunch and probably before or after school (no extra pay for that), and more headaches than a factory’s load of Tylenol (super strength) can handle. Are there no bankers? Lawyers? At least they get well paid for their ulcers.

• Lisa August 27th, 2008 at 5:38 pm 18

  It is usually automatically spread over 12 months.

• lollipop September 7th, 2008 at 2:15 pm 19

  i find that teaching is great help for students who take advantage of this because they make you feel good whether the pay isn’t but making progress in someone else’s life really makes the years in college worth while and my salary is 55,920 in south texas

• bobo September 20th, 2008 at 2:14 pm 20

  please, we need all of you to emigrate.

• oops September 30th, 2008 at 2:25 am 21

  Even SouthKorean teachers getting aver $40000/year
  …………………………………………..

• jana September 30th, 2008 at 11:42 am 22

  Don’t know where this data came from but I would love to be making 34K like in South Dakota! I teach high school in Louisiana and I make — hope you are sitting down— $26,500 per year! Unbelieveable isn’t it!

• Tahir September 30th, 2008 at 12:05 pm 23

  I am broken up between majoring in math or physics. my ultimate goal is to teach one of the two. is there a difference in pay, specifically for NJ, and if so, aprox how much?

• Tahir September 30th, 2008 at 12:08 pm 24

  also, if i got a bachelors in math, let’s say how would i go about teaching. i guess i would have to get certified or something…how exactly does that work without majoring in education? THNX

• teacher October 1st, 2008 at 8:54 pm 25

  how much of salary is lost due to taxes? we make a lot in Canada (right now with 2 degrees and working vice principal, making over 80 000) – but probably half is lost to taxes, all told. Is it the same in the USA?

• constantine October 8th, 2008 at 12:46 pm 26

  on long island the average salary is about $80,000 a year. and teaching over 10 years will boost you to and over $100,000 a year. i think a little over paid since teachers in schools that have much harder teaching environments just barely make half that.

• blackbeauty October 11th, 2008 at 10:31 am 27

  Many of you are talking about salaries, what about unions. That is the real issue, if you have a union at least they will fight for you to receive an increase and your benefits. Long Island has a nice salary, but ask about some of their stipulations.

• janice October 11th, 2008 at 10:07 pm 28

  Are there any other cities/board of eds in the country that are experiencing a rush of very young teachers. In chicago, 8-10 or more years veteran teachers are being pushed out of the system to make way for new teachers. School level or subject do not make any differnce. Salary is based on education and experience only. Lot of charters popping up under the unoin.

• Rachelle a.k.a.: mission lady October 15th, 2008 at 12:31 pm 29

  I’m on a serious mission collegues! I teach and reside in Boise, Idaho. I have a BA in Marketing and teaching certificate with 20 extra Early Childhood components, but am most certainly NOT making this “AVERAGE” teaching salary amount that’s posted! We do have a Union, but our voices are still not being heard where it really counts; to those who continue making these regulations for us but haven’t stepped foot in a classroom in years! I make $31,000 a year. Not bad, but I’m a single mother and have almost $1,000 out of my check each month….needless to say I work for benefits and also have a second job at night. This week alone I pawn my daughter off three nights in a row right after school to cocktail and serve. Hit the bed around 12:30 and rise at 5:30 to do it all over again! Mind you, I did not start at this pay. It was $26,000 and I’ve had to take extra classes for credit (that I paid for to move over on the pay scale to get more each month.) Sooo…back to my mission….. I’m collect input from every state…beginnnig salaries, administrator salaries, how many “classified” are in your school to help pull kids or in the classroom, aids, last raise, what your School District has done for your school lately, what your state department of ed. has done for your state lately, are there actual representatives of your state department that have even BEEN a teacher, do they help with professional development, what’s your pay scale consist of and how many credits before you can move over….you know, for them to tell us what we are worth, yet again.??? Help! I’m taking it all! Mission in Idaho!

• PerryPanther07 October 20th, 2008 at 8:21 am 30

  You have all made excellent points. Just as with politics, the statistics can be made to lie. The salaries stated for educators ALWAYS include administrators and other higher paid employees.

  As a high school administrator, in one of the best school systems in Georgia, I make $65K/year with 15 years experience. I am on a 220 day contract and usually work from 6 am to whenever the last sporting event is completed on campus and within 100 miles of the school (Usually home by 11 on game days).

  It has been frustrating for me to place more and more pressure on my teachers to perform for less than 1% COLAs every year. I cannot in good conscience ask them fro more than they are already doing to help our kids without losing many of the younger teachers to attrition.

  I have long been an opponent of NLCB and with the stress my wife has been under as a 5th grade teacher I am even more firm in my opposition to it. Save education; Save our Teachers!!!

• Brad - Not my real name October 20th, 2008 at 2:39 pm 31

  I’m not a teacher and I don’t mean to sound mean or condescending but why do teachers stay in a profession that doesn’t pay a fair wage. For years I’ve heard teachers talking about the inconsistencies in wages between teachers in other states and teachers and the administration. I’m not a teacher (I’m an engineer) so I have a hard time understanding. I am on the outside looking in but have done some substitute teaching. I can say that some teachers earn everything they get paid and deserve more while some teachers really should look into another profession. With that bit of background information again I ask why teachers stay in a profession that pays so poorly?

• Ryan October 21st, 2008 at 5:48 am 32

  Brad, there are a few reasons why teachers stay teachers. first, we love making a difference in kids lives. We an truly have an impact at a young age. Second, teachers have summers off and we get holidays off so we can spend time with our families. We also have decent health care depending on the district you are with. I can’t speak for all districts out there but my district pays pretty well and as a family with 2 kids we are doing fine financially.

  Ryan

• Rachelle a.k.a.: mission lady October 23rd, 2008 at 3:43 pm 33

  Brad, I don’t believe you were being mean or rude, your question is legit! However, as you stated yourself, “you do not know”. This, unfortunately, goes for many in our society today. This is my persepective. I spent five years to receive a Business degree and then realized my passion was with children. I chose to return and get my teaching certificate, but outside factors made this road way longer than anticipated. Needless to say my time in the required schooling and monies I spent to become a teacher is hard to just walk away from because of my love for children. Each morning when my class enters my room, I am not only responsible to “educate” them by the state standards and curriculum, I have now become a body guard, nurse, doctor, therapist, life skills and manners coach and in some cases a step-parent. Firedrills, lock-downs, evacuations, epi pens, cpr, crisis team are also part of our trainings. (Billy: not real name) One May morning I was met at the office by a Billy’s new Foster parent and Health and Welfare. Billy had finally returned to school after an episode the week before of “chicken pox”. Billy really returned after his father was arrested for beating Billy so badly with a belt on his back and buttocks he couldn’t move. He was not sent to school for fear WE would find out. Well, someone had previously. How long had Billy been living this way and hiding it? It wasn’t in his writings. Billy wasn’t at his grade level academically, but he knew he was in a safe haven, consistent accountability, warm meals, hugs and laughter. Do you honestly think Billy cared at all what he got on that test that day? Speaking of NCLB?!!! Billy knew he would be sent home again at the end of the day! Billy was seven years old!! Unfortunately, Ryan, your comment about summers and Holidays off are part of why teachers do get such a bad wrap. Those are fighting words for me when people comment on that. I am a single parent of two! I work another job because my salary doesn’t cut it. I work on Holidays and all summer long. Along with paying for and educating myself more by taking classes to move over on the payscale of my career! I also don’t have aids to help in the room and take my work home constantly. Bottom line…it’s absolutely disheartening that we value our educator’s so little when in fact they are helping form little minds to be that surgeon or pilot for your family someday!

• Ms. Nitikia Forde October 26th, 2008 at 10:23 am 34

  Well colleagues, I am embarking on a journey as a Childhood Special Education Teacher and I am looking for the best place to start my teaching career. When i say the best place i mean in terms of opportunities and meeting new people who have the same philosophy that I have which is that “every child can learn” and that as teachers we have to do everything that we can do to make sure that they do learn. I also want a change from the environment i live in and I’m looking at places like connecticut and new jersey etc. Viewing this site has provided me with many oppportunities and i look forward to learning more…thanks..
  A teacher to Heart…

• David Swift November 17th, 2008 at 12:48 am 35

  Teahers will always be under paid in the USA. Government control causes the problems in all public schools. Plus paying to many poor adminstrators 85k in Alaska for doing very little and they only need 3 years as a teacher and a masters to become leaders in Education. This makes for very poor leaders which results in poor schools.Like all states Alaska has to many poor leaders and very poor schools.

• mark November 20th, 2008 at 7:10 am 36

  not here in michigan when a teacher makes $448 a day and that is for 10 months not including the district paying for there benefits

• llou November 23rd, 2008 at 9:13 pm 37

  I live in California in the S.F. Bay Area. I make 78000 a year. I work 188 days (paid anyway). I’m in my twelfth year. Sounds good?? It costs an average of $600000 to buy a cracker box, 3 bedroom, 2 bath home with 1100 square feet. 78000 doesn’t go very far when you have a $3200 house payment. It’s all relative to the cost-of-living.

• Panamabound November 30th, 2008 at 2:45 am 38

  Teachers make out big time. Look at the lady above …..9 months of work at $8666 a month. If teachers want to make more money, then they can be on committees.

  I used to do teacher retirement plans and I saw HUNDREDS of paystubs. How about a “reading specialist” in 1997 making $92000? How about an “earth science high school teacher making $100,000 in 2000? These salaries are for 9 months of work.

  Give me a break. Teachers have the country by the balls and it is because of the TEACHERS’ unions. They are massive. Look at the schools. The schools are ugly war zones. The teachers ALSO GET full medical, dental, and so forth. They have to (state law in California) put 8% of their salary into the retirement system, but GUESS WHAT- the state matches that 100%-who else do you know in any company that gets a 100% match up to 8% of their salary? Nobody excetp the carmakers and they are going out of business. Never forget either I mention again, that this is for 9 months of work.

  All my life I have been in situations where I have to listen to the teachers constantly whining about how they think they don’t make enough money. I think they should all be reprimanded as being unappreciative, uninformed about the rest of the people’s salaries ….they have no clue about how good they have it.

• Richard December 2nd, 2008 at 6:38 pm 39

  I worked for 30 years as a high school special education teacher, have a BA and a MS. My last year I just broke the $50000 mark(gross not net).For much of the first 10 years I was eligible for food stamps (family of five) and other programs for those below certain income criteria. I loved the challenge of the job, loved making a difference and enjoyed the school atmosphere. Always worked summer jobs to get by. Never thought I was overpaid, however.

• Beverly December 2nd, 2008 at 8:48 pm 40

  I don’t know why you think teachers have it made. I have been teaching for 5 years and make $41,000 a year at one of the highest paying school districts in Arkansas. And I certainly don’t have full benefits. It would be $787 a month to have insurance on myself, my husband, and daughter. And that doesn’t include any dental, vision, or additional coverage except a $5000 life policy. They just passed a law in 2006 that finally gave teachers here lunch breaks. Until then the law actually said that we only had to be given lunch breaks 80% of the time. I think the teachers unions are a good thing or we still wouldn’t have what every everyone else has a legal right to – a chance to each lunch.

• Julie Lopez December 3rd, 2008 at 2:14 pm 41

  Im a single mother of three with little help from the unemployed father. How can I become a teacher with just 1 year of community college under my belt.I need to support my family. I would appreciate some suggestions on how to get stared?

• Ben December 3rd, 2008 at 3:19 pm 42

  After reading some of the comments I must post my two cents. I am a first year teacher in the Mississippi Delta. I am from the state and understand a little of what goes on. I did not go into teaching for the money, however I do feel like I should complain when I make so little yet am held accountable for little Johnny’s grades when he is yet to bring a pencil to class. If I am going to put my reputaion as a professional out on the line I would like to be duly compensated for it. As far as the pay goes; Here I make base 31,900. I believe that this 1k above the state base. I also coach and recieve no restituion. I have been punched twice this year breaking up fights. I don’t know where everyone is getting this free dental and health insurance, because in mississippi we must pay for dental, and have a large deductible on our health coverage. I take work home with me at night, can’t sleep because my administration thought it would be funny to put me in a SATP class(US history). I am currently looking to relocate, because I teach in a school of 1,100, have 5 SR officers, and one of the most dangerous gang infested areas in the state. I just had to get a few things off my chest, because im sorry, my 848.63 is not enough for what I do.

• Ben December 3rd, 2008 at 3:23 pm 43

  …and that 848.63 is every two weeks….throw 350 in rent, 150 in utilities, car payment, insurance, groceries, student loans, and dr/meds what are you left with. I don’t care where you live and how you want to say “Pay is reflective in the cost of living” teachers dont get paid enough. I like to think of myself as modest and somewhat frugal, but 1600 a month bring home? THANK BAJEESUS I don’t have a family!

• Ann December 3rd, 2008 at 4:34 pm 44

  Teachers don’t just work 9 months out of the year. Lots of states go mid-August through June. Plus, as a professional, a teacher is expected to prepare classes, crunch student assessment data, write grants for classroom/school funding, investigate new curriculum, cross-curricular opportunities, and technology, as well as keep abreast of brain research, at a minimum. When school is in session, a teacher must work at least 55 hours per week if she actually wants to provide sufficient student feedback (grade, record, turn back), so all of the above happens during that alleged 3 month break.

• Lesia December 4th, 2008 at 6:04 pm 45

  I just read all the replys and I really don’t know what to say. I am a nurse in the military right now. I am about to retire and I have my master’s in education. I really want to teach, because it is my second love, first being patient care. Some of the reply’s actually scares me. But when I think about it. Just like nursing, you really shouldn’t go into that career field for the money. You should like what you do, and make the best of it as much as you can. I just want to say I really salute all the teachers in the world. You guys do an outstanding job day in and day out.

• terry December 9th, 2008 at 12:26 pm 46

  Hey the reply talking about how much they make in Michigan. Sad part about that is most kids who graduate from some michigan schools can neither read properly or spell. They only know how to sound spell. I am from Arkansas and live in Michigan now. Arkansas teachers are the lowest paid teachers but at least my kids could read and spell when they graduated. I have step-kids that graduated from a Michigan school that can’t even help there 1st grade kids cause they don’t know how. So much for higher paid teachers.

• Marisa December 10th, 2008 at 6:58 pm 47

  That’s nice. Let’s just make sweeping generalizations about every person that has ever come out of Michigan’s school system.

• drew December 11th, 2008 at 9:26 am 48

  I’m not a teacher but my wife and a few of my friends are teachers. I hear some of the horror stories about kids and their parents. I wouldn’t want to be teacher because I’d end up losing my cool and getting fired.
  Today’s teachers have a tougher curriculum to teach and their work day doesn’t end when they leave the school as most people think. Many good teachers spend 2 hours or more at home doing work after school. Teachers deserve every cent they get and then some.

• terry December 11th, 2008 at 5:13 pm 49

  Geee I didn’t know “most kids” was making a sweeping generalization about everyone coming out of Michigan schools. My bad.

• AL December 13th, 2008 at 8:55 am 50

  I have been teaching in SC for over 20 years now. It is indecent the way we are treated, least in my district. We spend hours doing useless, detailed lesson plans that never seem to please the powers that be. They ride us on everything, teaching has no longer been a priority, it is meetings after meeting, and forms beyond what you would understand. I spend hours everyday filling out paperwork and I never have time to prepare for my classes the way I would like. To top that off, our District office has over spent on themselves so now they are trying to run off our best teachers to cut salary expenses. We are now told what to teach, how to teach it and even when to teach it. We have very little control over what we teach. We aren’t even allowed to teach anything that is not in the standards, which is a huge injustice to the students. The district office thinks we have to constantly be watched to make sure we are teaching correctly. The problem is they were all terrible teachers and wouldn’t know good teaching if they saw it. We also haven’t had a raise from the district in 10 years. And we do spend hours at home doing work and we have to work some during the summer. So I would so not recommend anyone teaching here in SC. I hate to say that but it just isn’t worth the stress and what it does to your life.

• mel December 13th, 2008 at 9:10 am 51

  I am actually UK teacher trying to move to US. With regards to UK teachers being highly paid I would say not. New teacher salary is currently less than £18k sterling, the most pay increase you get for first 5 years is under £500 and not compulsory as you are earning more than the UK minimum wage. You have to work 5 years to get on a higher pay scale, £23k or more, and many schools expect these 5 years to be in a UK school due to the rigid curriculum. You have this to deal with constantly eg. UK Govt says you MUST do 1 hr of literacy every morning. This MUST be divided into 15 mins start on carpet, 30 mins main activity, 15 mins plenary to end. The same applies to maths, science etc. The average primary teacher works around 60-70hrs a week according to Govt website, hours are even longer for secondary teachers. I’m nopt saying Im coming to US for an easy break, because I believe teaching is a vocation, not a career, and you can only succeed if you love it. Just a warning that UK teaching is probably comparable in terms of wages and teaching circumstances, not better.

• TeTe December 14th, 2008 at 10:22 pm 52

  Hey Terry. I hope it’s not grammar which you teach/taught (it’s neither/nor or either/or; NOT neither/or).

• Christy December 17th, 2008 at 9:56 am 53

  I have taught in Georgia for over 13 years, and the situation here is almost identical to what AL in South Carolina described. Meetings, meetings, meetings, paperwork, paperwork, paperwork, kids coming to school with no supplies, not completing their work, or they are too sick/hungry/tired to learn. There is no accountability for the families whatsoever. The PTA is typically comprised more of administrators and teachers than parents (and yes, we are expected to pay PTA dues!). A huge chunk of the budget is used for ESOL instruction for students who aren’t even here legally. Administrators and county officials who can’t even be bothered to return phone calls or emails make way more than us. Over the years the amount we are expected to teach children to mastery has increased exponentially, yet the length of the school day and year has remained the same, while the kids’ attention span has dramatically decreased. Computers are outdated and crash. All of this has to do with the fact that the school systems are run by the government. If they were to be turned over to the private sector and there was a profit motive involved, you can bet we would see competitive salaries and top-of-the-line equipment. Don’t say it can’t be done- we are in charge of providing the intellectual capitol for America’s economic future- why can’t the big businesses help to provide corporate sponsorship? In the long run, it’s for their best interest.

• Adam December 17th, 2008 at 10:36 am 54

  check out the Sarasota and Manatee County Schools in Florida. They were hiring teachers.

• Teachme December 18th, 2008 at 11:24 am 55

  Terry,

  It IS a sweeping generalization and you ARE a **********.

• terry December 19th, 2008 at 11:45 am 56

  Hey everyone is entitled to their opinion and the people I have met up here are just as I have stated. Even people with high paying jobs. So excuse me if I have offened anyone by stating the truth as I have seen it. And it shows your caliber of speech since you have to stoop to symbols for words.

• Chris December 19th, 2008 at 7:18 pm 57

  Terry,

  Being able to recite the NASCAR line-up is not reading, sorry. Maybe load up the double-wide and move back to Arkansas, eh?

• jake December 20th, 2008 at 8:26 am 58

  i mean really what is the purpose of this chat line….i mean can this really help my stress….i am so sick og being turned down by jobs…or having to drive basically to the suburbs for work…..normally theres no bus line and being african american..you just simply dont have the means of transportation because they wont give us any jobs…

• Cara December 21st, 2008 at 1:11 pm 59

  Terry, you might want to learn the difference between “their” and “there”. Also, learn what makes a complete sentence.

• terry December 26th, 2008 at 4:10 pm 60

  Hey, I never said I taught school anywhere and I sure don’t know the Nascar line-up. And you should go to Arkansas and check out some of the houses and double-wides before you bad mouth them. At least they are worth want they sell for. My step-daughter calls her home up here a cardboard mansion.

• tobian December 27th, 2008 at 5:43 pm 61

  I must say first that I am a 31 year old male who has just found his “calling”. I will teach. I am thinking that I want to teach history. Truthfully, teachers really don’t make much when you consider everything they have to deal with. On the flip side, i do think that most teachers knew that when they signed up to teach! If you are given to profit and consumerism, my advice is to pick another vocation. If you love to share knowledge and inspire people…then teaching has to be the only option. It is painfully obvious that the antiquated models of yester years are not working and they probably never really did. I think that the educational system has missed its mark. It has failed to identify student strengths and weaknesses. It has failed to identify teachers that are not getting their jobs done, and they have failed to reward those of you (teachers) who have gone above and beyond the call of duty. I have a very lucrative small business and have manage to save a small sum. My life is no longer driven by gain. I will honestly be able to tell my students that i am there for them and not just because my job is “easy”. If teaching is “work” for you, pick another field!!. Truthfully, if you picked any vocation for the money, you picked wrong i think. Anyway, that’s my 2 cents worth. Oh yeah, if you’re uncool, these kids won’t listen to you! I wear Air Jordans and listen to the rap music of today. I have smoked weed in my day, been drunk off my ass, and arrested too! In other words, I am “real”. I do think that I can relate to them. I am really only interested in teaching in the youth correctional facilities, or maybe the alternative schools. They pay more, and I think that the gratification is exponentially more than in the traditional schools. Peace.

• Vanessa January 1st, 2009 at 4:03 pm 62

  Tobian…Thank you for that last comment! My goal is to have my degree in three years and become a teacher as well. Even though in three years I will be making more at my job now than I will as I teacher I still want to do it and it is because I know its my passion. I might kick myself in the butt once I start comparing paychecks but I know I will at least go to work every morning excited and happy that I am getting paid to do something I love. Not very many people love their job, sure they may be making five times what teachers make but at the end of the day they still are not happy. I help out at schools now and truth is there are many teachers who do not know how to be “real” and relate to the kids and that is why they complain so much when the students “act up”. We need more teachers like Tobian who still understand what it’s like to be at that age and instead of being so critical all the time, be understanding and become their friend. Its sad that teachers do not get paid more for what they do but it is more sad if you are not a teacher for simply the love for the students.

• Rich January 3rd, 2009 at 3:52 pm 63

  I have to say I am happy that I have come across this site. I have gained a lot of knowledge by reading everyone’s’ opinions on the subject matter. I believe what is really important is the fact that you’re doing something that you love to do, regardless of the pay. True, you should be compensated for your hard work and efforts, but let the pay be last in what you look for. I am currently pursuing my educational certification so that I may teach history and political science. I have worked in job fields where my salary was 42k+ a year, but its not what I wanted to do. So I encourage all of you that are teaching because you want to and you love having that impact on the youth, to continue to do so, because we are a rare commodity. Good luck to you all.

• sara January 4th, 2009 at 7:49 pm 64

  to jake- I can’t believe being African American you can’t find a job. Come to NY- I taught in an urban school last year in the Capital Region. I lost my job to an African American because we did not have enough A.A. teachers/ administrators in the district. The district has made it blatantly clear through their hiring the past few years that their intent is to hire African Americans. (qualified or not).
  To Tobian- and any other newbies and want-to-be teachers- make sure you get your SPED degree if you want a job- esp if you want to teach social studies or ELA. There ARE NOT jobs out there in these areas- not in upstate NY anyway. However schools are dying to find SPED teachers. That’s one piece of advice I wish I had not ignored. Even if you don’t want to teach it- it’s at least a foot in the door.

• Ratna Baichwal January 6th, 2009 at 3:46 pm 65

  Great advice I am of East-Indian descent and living in the great country of Canada. Never encountered any racism in hiring practices here. However I am sure it exists to some extent.

  Great advice and love this site.

  I myself am a researcher and freelance writer/editor. Does anyone out there know of any internet research jobs or freelance writing jobs out there. Either Canada or U.S. ?

  Would appreciate any response.

  Thanks,

  Ratna

• faheem majeed January 7th, 2009 at 10:37 am 66

  Maybe the racism it too subtle for you to see it, I would suggest that you start reading some history of how the Indians were virtually wiped out in Canada and the Americas, and then come up to date.

• Karen January 8th, 2009 at 9:59 pm 67

  I’m a special ed teacher in California/San Francisco Bay Area (11 years )…I make $106,000, which after reading these posts sounds like a lot; however, due to the cost of living it is not! Teachers should get paid much more than they do. I cannot afford a house even on this salary.
  God bless all of you, I feel fortunate that I’m at least getting a descent wage.

• Kelli January 9th, 2009 at 12:49 pm 68

  Faheem Majeed, Ratna did not say there was no racism. She only said she had not encountered itm. None of us should. Where are you from, Faheed, what is your lineage? Where do your PEOPLE come from?

• Sadaf January 9th, 2009 at 1:52 pm 69

  Kelli, I can understand you not taking too well to faheems comment as it comes off rude at first, but being a muslim(not even a practicing one at that), american-pakistani, I have encountered racism not only in general but also with the work place as well as during job interviews after they realize that i am not Latino but pakistani. Im sure you havent experienced racism yourself So please try and refrain from your prejudices and racist statements by making sarcastic remarks as to where someones LINEAGE lies along with where someones PEOPLE come from. After your comment Faheems comment which may have resulted from dealing with racism doesn’t appear HALF as rude as yours.

• Sue January 9th, 2009 at 3:18 pm 70

  Average teacher salaries by state can be very misleading. They would include the higher paid inner city teachers and I’m not sure if administrators’ salaries would also be included, but those are MUCH higher than the classroom teachers’ pay. It would be more meaningful to see average teacher salaries by district, IF they only included classroom teachers and were sure to exclude the salaries of administrators. Does anybody know of a website with that kind of information?

• Ben January 11th, 2009 at 1:28 pm 71

  If you really want to see what you would make as a teacher just go to the Department of Education’s website in the state where you live. They will have a breakdown of yearly payscales based on education level, experience, etc. To even be more specific, you can go to district websites and they also may have information there. By looking to averages for how much you will make is misleading. If you are going into this field, or looking to go into this field expecting to get rich, I suggest you do something else. However, it is very rewarding I must say.

• SueZ January 13th, 2009 at 3:50 pm 72

  My hubby has been teaching Science for 19 years in So. Calif. public school. He has a Master’s in Biology plus 75 units towards his doctorate. He makes 90k a year. He runs programs in science advancement all throughout the year, day and night without extra pay. I think he earns every penny and then some and they are d@mn lucky to have him.

• pregnant republican January 14th, 2009 at 12:07 pm 73

  First off, i think that teachers are great teachers until there tenur then most of them suck and they dont [care] about anything because they are protected by the school.

• galaxina January 17th, 2009 at 9:05 am 74

  > until there tenure < ???

  until THEIR tenure:

  “THERE” denotes “in or at that place, as opposed to ‘here’.

  “THEIR” denotes a form of the possessive case of THEY used as an attributive adjective, before a noun. Example: their home; their rights as citizens.

  How ironic.

• Jacob January 17th, 2009 at 8:38 pm 75

  There are some great points being made here. One thing I don’t see people considering is cost of living vs. wage. I’m a special ed teacher in California (intern) and make approximately 34k a year. Once I’m credentialed that will jump to about 50k and I’ll top out at about 84k in 12 years. However, many people don’t realize that here in CA we don’t have an option for an “education degree”. We get a BA/BS in whatever and then have 2 more years of full time school to become fully credentialed. Therefore, in almost any state CA teachers make more due to our post BA/BS units..

  Anyway, back to my point: Cost of living. Yes, some states pay teachers less than others, but what does a house cost there?

  Here in CA, even a teacher who is making 80k a year can’t secure a mortgage for a house in any decent area (I mean decent as in remotely livable). However, in say Texas one could buy a decent house for under 100k, so making even 30k a year you could at least afford a home!

• wiser than you January 18th, 2009 at 11:08 am 76

  I would advise you to use proper grammar, word choice, and punctuation before criticizing anyone in print. Your teachers must have, as you say, sucked.

• Ben January 19th, 2009 at 5:25 pm 77

  Dear Pregnant Republican,

  Are you a teacher? Do you have tenure? (note the spelling). You are focusing your hostility towards the wrong folks, I bet it bothers you that we have a welfare system as well. Aren’t we in the middle of a 700 billion dollar bailout for people who have done nothing but lie to us for almost a decade? Good work on frying the smallest fish possible. You should be grateful that this country has an extremely dedicated (and underpaid)education force, that rarely, if ever, gets the praise it deserves. If anything it gets rather ignorant messages like yours.

  sincerely,
  ben

• kd January 20th, 2009 at 1:30 pm 78

  This article is not that accurate at all. Who ever did their research must have pulled numbers out of a hat because the starting pay for teachers in Miami is at least 38,000- 39,000 not 34,000. A teacher would not work in miami for 34,000 he/she would be crying themselves to sleep at night. Also Broward County pays more than miami. Starting pay is about 40,000. So the South Floridans are actually doing well.

  But remember a salary also has to go with your cost of living. So if you live in NY your salary mght be 100,000 but it costs that much to live there. Same thing with the UK and other states.

• Denise January 21st, 2009 at 12:39 pm 79

  “Pregnant republican” simply voiced her opinion. That her thoughts are not supported by actual facts and only by anecdotal experience is typical of the type of thinking that continues to divide our country politically and publically. I find it interesting that “pregnant” seems to have neglected to educate herself and now wants to blame the system.

• carmen January 22nd, 2009 at 7:44 pm 80

  Please help! I am living in Miami, FL and I will receive my bachelors degree in elementary education this year. What states offer the best salary for beginning teachers? I want to be as close to Florida as possible. Thank you.

• Shaundrika January 23rd, 2009 at 10:29 am 81

  Hello everyone!! I live in Atlanta, Ga but I’m looking to relocate to another state because things are a little hectic and competitive here and most of the school systems are doing hiring freezes for the upcoming yr. I am looking for some information on teacher salaries in GA’s surrounding states. I am currently looking into Florida for right now and have submitted my resume to the Duval Co. School System. But I’m not sure what the starting salary is for Florida’s schools? And I am open to any other comments and info on other states as well like TN, NC, SC, VA, TX etc… but I kinda want to live in the major cities of those states. I am 23 yrs old and I dont have any teaching experience other than substituting for a few months. I have a Bachelors in Sociology and I just recently graduated with my Masters in Education. PLEASE HELP!!!

• johnny232 January 26th, 2009 at 8:53 pm 82

  Shaundrika
  I teach in a district, when I last checked, was the highest paid in the state (SC). The state has made millions of dollars in budget cuts. Next year we will not have any aids or a school nurse. They have also frozen any new hires. I will not receive my raise next year. Also, they are not going to give nationaly certified teachers their bonus, as they promised. From what I hear, the whole state is facing the same. However, like many others on this page. I can’t leave because I love it too much. From what I have hear FL is your best bet if your looking for money.

• scteacher January 27th, 2009 at 11:35 am 83

  Johnny, I also teach in SC and have National Board certification. Your district cannot opt out of paying the stipend to its certified teachers. That is paid by the state. They have reviewed the past policy of loaning the application costs, and that will most likely not be done anymore.
  Our district’s salaries are frozen, also. As far as I know, new hires are not, though. But you will move up on the pay scale because of your years of experience.
  I agree with your advice to Shaundrika. If you are looking to make decent money, FL would be much better than SC. I’m not sure if all states/districts calculate salary the same way, but here, you would be on a Master’s Degree level, but with 0 years of experience. In my district, that would be about $36,000/year. I’m not sure which district Johnny teaches in, but if it’s the one I’ve always heard to be the highest paying, your base would be about $39,500. It looks like in Broward county (the first FL county that came to mind), you would make about $42,500. Hope that helps some. You can google any county’s teacher salary schedule, as far as I know, so happy googling!
  Oh, and as someone else mentioned, be sure to check the cost of living index for the area, as well, and compare them. You can google that, too!

• lalalala January 30th, 2009 at 3:07 pm 84

  So i have read almost every comment here and by the looks of it some of you are not very dedicated to what you do,or dont like it very much. Some of you have started arguments over the most ridiculouse things. Is that the example you set for your students? If so dont’ expect anything much better from them. You guys complain about salary and gang fights and bla bla bla…well its partly your fault. Instead complaining why dont you do somthing about it…”ow but adminstration wont listen to me” then take it into your own hands. EVERYONE knows teachers dont get paid what they are worth ,so dont act like it was a big surprise. boohoo get over. it could be worst.
  If you dont love it dont do it its as simple as that. But dont complain about it because you made the choice to become a teacher all by yourself…and if you were swayed into doing it by someone else then your an idoit. teaching requieres love dedication and patience. most of which most of you dont have. Quit your bitching and solve your problems rather than complaining about it. OW by the way for any of you smartasses that are going to correct my gramatical errors or yet again complain im a highschool student. Your number one critic. your students are what you make them. show them fear anger or fustration and they will take full advantage of it regardless of what the consequences will be.

• Texas February 17th, 2009 at 8:48 pm 85

  I’ve decided I want to become a principal in an elementary school in Texas. I feel very passionate about it. I have a bachelors in social work and am currently checking out what I need to do to start teaching. I also have an appointment with an academic advisor for my graduate work. Basically I would like to hear anything and everything about the work of a principal. Please help. As far as everyone being underpaid, coming from the social work field I very much understand. Thank you for all you do.

• SHAWN AND SHAWNNAS MAMA LOVIN DA BIG EASY! February 20th, 2009 at 12:57 pm 86

  OK WELL I HAVE READ ALMOST ALL OF THE POSTS. I FIRST WANT TO SAY JUST BECAUSE YOU MAY HAVE DONE IT ALL DOESN’T MEAN YOU KNOW IT ALL. IF YOU HAVE 6 CLASSES A DAY(7 DAY SCHEDULE WITH 1 OFF PERIOD) HOW CAN YOU SAY THAT EVERY STUDENT HAS BEEN TO JAIL, SMOKED WEED, OR WHATEVER ELSE?(TOBIAN AND VANESSA). EVERYBODY HAS DONE SOMETHING THEIR NOT PROUD OF OR SOMETHING THAT GOT THEM INTO TROUBLE. IT’S NOT ALWAYS ABOUT RELATING. SOMETIMES YOU JUST NEED TO BE ABLE TO UNDERSTAND. SECONDLY LALALALA W/E OR WHOEVER YOU ARE (I COULD CARE LESS) THESE PEOPLE AREN’T ON HERE TRYING TO COMPLAIN ABOUT THEIR JOBS THEY NEED TO VENT. THEY COME ON HERE TO TALK TO THEIR FELLOW TEACHERS. THE SAME WAY THEY DO IN SCHOOL. HOW MANY PEOPLE YOU KNOW GO INTO A JOB AND ACTUALLY LOVE IT? PEOPLE WORK BECAUSE THEY HAVE TO. SOME OF THESE PEOPLE WENT INTO THESE JOB FIELDS BECAUSE THEY LOVE CHILDREN AND TEACHING. WHILE OTHERS WENT INTO IT BECAUSE OF FAMILY OR WANTING WEEKENDS AND HOLIDAYS OFF. LIKE IT EASY FOR SOMEONE TO GO TO SCHOOL FOUR OR MORE YEARS; ALREADY OWING STUDENT LOANS AND SOME OF YOU SUCKERS SUGGEST THEY CHANGE THEIR FIELDS. ITS SAD WHEN PEOPLE GET ON HERE AND TRY TO BELITTLE ANOTHER PERSON BECAUSE OF THEIR FEELINGS AND THEIR OPINOINS ABOUT SOMETHING. YOU DON’T KNOW THESE PEOPLE. I WAS A SUBSTITUTE TEACHER. I’M NOW AN INTERN AT A HIGH SCHOOL(WALTER L. COHEN HIGH SCHOOL, LOOK IT UP). I WANTED TO BE A LAWYER, BUT I HAVE CHILDREN NOW SO I’M GOING INTO A FIELD WHERE I CAN HAVE MY WEEKENDS, EVENINGS, HOLIDAYS, AND SUMMERS OFF WITH MY BABIES. THEY ARE 2 AND 3 YEARS OLD, DAYCARES DON’T OPERATE OTHER THAN NORMAL BUSINESS HOURS. TEACHERS IN LA. DON’T MAKE MUCH AND THE COST OF LIVING IS OUTRAGEOUS; ESPECIALLY SINCE KATRINA. I HAVE WORKED AT A K-8 GRADE SCHOOL(LAUREL ELEMENTARY LOOK IT UP) AND AN ALTERNATIVE HIGH SCHOOL(SCHWATRZ THE WELCOME SCHOOL. LOOK IT UP). I’VE HAD CHILDREN CURSE ME OUT, WANT TO FIGHT ME, AND THE WHOLE NINE. I BLAME THE PARENTS. THEY ACT ACCORDING TO HOW THEIR PARENTS ALLOW THEM TO ACT. SOME OF THOSE KIDS WERE IN GROUP HOMES, SOME HAD PARENTS STRUNG OUT ON DRUGS, SOME WERE THERE BY A JUDGE’S ORDER, SOME WERE ON PROBATION(I’M TALKING MAJOR CHARGES GUNS, DRUGS, THEFT, THE WHOLE NINE. LOOK IT UP), ALL KINDS OF STUFF. SO YOU CAN’T ALWAYS BLAME THE TEACHER. SITUATIONS ARE DIFFERENT. WELL I’VE SAID ENOUGH AND FOR THOSE PEOPLE WHO FEEL LIKE BEING REAL AND THIS AND THAT IS WHAT MAKES A BETTER TEACHER WELL GUESS WHAT I AM 24 YEARS OLD, A BLACK FEMALE, FROM THE HOOD, NEW ORLEANS, LA BORN AND RAISED, STILL LIVE IN NEW ORLEANS. WENT TO THE WORST SCHOOLS, BEEN TO JAIL, LIVED IN THE WORST AREAS, GOT PUT OUT OF SCHOOL FOR FIGHTING, AND I DON’T RELY ON THAT TO GET THE JOB DONE. I JUST GO IN THERE AND DEMAND MY RESPECT, EVEN HAVE TO TAKE IT FROM SOME. ALL THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS HERE ARE BAD AND WERE BAD BEFORE I CAME ABOUT. MY MAMA USED TO TELL US THE STORIES. OUR PUBLIC SCHOOLS ARE ALL “BLACK” SCHOOLS AND PRIVATE AND CATHOLIC ARE ALWAYS MOSTLY “WHITE” HERE IN NEW ORLEANS. I WENT TO S. J. GREEN MIDDLE SCHOOL 1996-1999 L.E. RABOUIN 1999-2000 W.L. COHEN 2000-2001 ALCEE FORTIER 2001-2002 AND JOHN MCDONOGH AKA JOHN MAC 2003-2004, AND GUESS WHAT ELSE I HAD “WHITE TEACHERS WHO DIDN’T HAVE CRIMINAL BACKGROUNDS OR DID DRUGS WHO GOT THEIR RESPECT. IT’S ALL ABOUT YOU PUTTING YOUR FOOT DOWN. NOT YOUR CRIMINOLOGY (TOBIAN AND VANESSA). I DONE ALL THAT, BUT THAT DON’T MAKE IT ANY EASIER FOR YOU TO TEACH UNDERPRIVILAGED CHILDREN. WHAT I FOUND THAT WORKS IS STANDING YOUR GROUND, NOT SHOWING FEAR, AND LETTING THEM KNOW WHO HAS THE UPPER HAND.

• Jennifer February 20th, 2009 at 2:11 pm 87

  Good luck on becoming a principal. I am going to school part time to become a special education teacher. This is what I always wanted to do. I love special needs children, youth, and adults.

• redneckphd February 20th, 2009 at 10:04 pm 88

  First year teacher salary in HEB ISD near Fort Worth, Texas is 47500. Cost of living is not bad. The whole Fort Worth side of the DFW Metroplex is affordable. There are good schools where you can teach and not just police. I am a principal and hire teachers every year outside of FW. Suburban districts pay a little less, but turnover is not near as high as FW, Dallas or Arlington.

• redneckphd February 20th, 2009 at 10:11 pm 89

  Hey Texas,
  To be a principal you must have at least two years of teaching experience. In most schools, you become an assistant principal first and then can be given a principalship.
  Since you already have a bachelor’s degree, you can find an alternative certification program. Within a few months, you can have the training required to start teaching if you can find a job. You then teach a year on a probationary certificate. While getting your teaching down, go to school at night and work on your master’s in educational administration. Then you must take a state test and get hired.
  It’s a great job. Some days are tough, but I love it.

• D March 6th, 2009 at 8:40 pm 90

  I love my job and did not become a teacher for the money. But I would love to know what school district on Long Island pays $80,000. I have been teaching for 7 years and don’t make close to that. With a $3000 mtg payment,$400 for oil and $200 for electric a month I would love to make that much!

• Gregory S. Wilson March 17th, 2009 at 10:19 pm 91

  After reading all these comments, I think I have been completely dissuaded from pursuing a teaching career.

  I know where I went to high school, starting pay for a teacher is 32,000 dollars a year, which I consider hardly enough to live on.

  The NH state average starting ( for a teacher ) is 30,000, which I would say is a slap in the face to anyone who has a bachelors, and is qualified to teach.

  Heck, I have a friend who started off making 38,000 with a GED, and having passed his Series 7, working for an investment firm.

  I know they say you should go into the field of teaching because you love it, and want to make a difference, but honestly..
  These salaries are just a slap in the face.

  I guess I’ll have to start thinking about other options.

• maureen March 22nd, 2009 at 9:24 am 92

  Not only is the pay a slap in the many slaps.
  You do what is right for the child or you tell the truth and you get the blame for whatever doesn’t happen the way the A and the P want. The summer off is the only reason to be a teacher. And you get to hear “what a saint you are to put up with these kids today” It’s nice to have health insurance during this employment but now it is being discussed about lowering these benefits

  If want to teach, try subbing for a while and you will be convinced.

• maureen March 22nd, 2009 at 9:35 am 93

  Not only is the pay a slap in the face but the administrators and parents add many more slaps.
  You do what is right for the child or you tell the truth and you get the blame for whatever doesn’t happen the way the A and the P want. The summer off is the only reason to be a teacher. And you get to hear “what a saint you are to put up with these kids today” It’s nice to have health insurance during this employment but now it is being discussed about lowering these benefits

  If you want to teach, try subbing for a while and you will be convinced.

• maureen March 22nd, 2009 at 9:46 am 94

  Also, the comment “It will be different when I have my own classroom” You will spend atleast 5 years thinking you are making a difference and then you will begin the process of being slowly disillusioned about why you want to see the ‘lightbulb go on’. If you want the feeling, teach your own children or volunteer in school situations where you can leave if you are not appreciated.

• jussme April 1st, 2009 at 10:05 pm 95

  I am not a teacher. I am currently a college student and my planned major is business management. I just wanted to say that I loved my teachers. I am from South Dakota and a very small school. Most of my teachers have been at my school for well over 10 years. The teachers may not get paid real well, but they made me the person I am today. They made me work my butt off in order to become a better person. For all you teachers out there… you rock, thanks =)

• jussme April 1st, 2009 at 10:07 pm 96

  Oh, and even though I enjoy constructiv criticism, please do not reply back to me tellin me I have a typo. My laptop computer keyboard sucks, and I probably won’t care. Thanks (I meant all of this in the kindest way possible)

• Diane April 2nd, 2009 at 10:11 am 97

  I have read all the the above posts. The incorrect spelling is automatically underlined. So why was there so much misspelling? The grammar was atrocious. Aside from that, parents need to be involved in the education of their children. I am not sure how this is to be accomplished, but, it should be done by the administration or the PTA(Parent Teacher Assoc., or whatever it is called). A campaign to involve the parents might be effective. Children need the basic 3 Rs, Reading comprehension so that they can understand a loan agreement for a car. Writing, so they can write coherently on the internet. Arithmetic, so they can balance a check book, and can make change. I have purchased a .60 item from a bake sale, given the high school cheerleader $1.10 and they couldn’t figure out how to give me change. Why was this student a cheerleader? Few people who do not have a checking account have a savings account. This is not a new phenomenon. When I was in high school (I am 60)there were 2 students that I administered tests, I had to read them the questions and write the answers for them, because they couldn’t. I call it passing the buck. You can turn out even a small percentage of these undereducated students and a lot of adults consider the system broken. I think it is broken and not just by the teachers. The administration and the parents must share part of the burden. Those school systems that have unions CAN do something about the situation, instead of just wanting pay raises. I feel the same way about coal miners who continuously ask for pay raises without address their safety issues.
  That is my 2 cents worth.

• LindaG April 4th, 2009 at 6:56 am 98

  Yeah, umm Diane… GET A LIFE. or find a blog that cares. This is NOT THAT FORUM.

• Stamie April 5th, 2009 at 1:26 pm 99

  I agree with Diane on the premise that the American Education system is at best below average.

  But, we need to delve a bit father into your “terrible” pay scale. The part all of you are conveniently leaving out is benefits. Let us start with that little thing called a pension. How much any of you contributed, from your personal checking accounts, to the pension? Let me help you with math – $0. Yes, that’s called free money, and more that 80% of you qualify, in fact most states only require 5 years to become vested and as a kicker, it is 100% transferable to other states. Allow me to count the other industries that have a pension any more? I’ll go with “none” and add a 99% accuracy disclaimer. As many of us in the other industries can attest to, that option died in the 1990’s, accept for teachers. And we didn’t get to keep the pension, it was sold out from under our feet.

  Now let’s go to healthcare, I make good money in IT and I have to pay 70% of my HMO. How much does the average teacher pay? According to the government reports (http://www.cga.ct.gov/2000/rpt/olr/htm/2000-R-1110.htm) you get it for an average state fee of 13%. Now for the real 911, it is not a basic HMO product. Many of my friends are spouses of Teachers and flat refuse the healthcare benefits because they are covered by their spouse’s teacher benefits which are cheaper and far superior to the HMO offerings.

  In conclusion, if you pathetic, whining saps can’t calculate your own benefits accurately, then you should not be attempting to teach my child how to add. So, why don’t you all quit crying, and join the Army to get that needed knowledge called “suck it up and drive on!” And while you at it being personally offended by this message, you should check out the unemployment rate for the nation, and then count your blessings that you have a nice cushy job, loaded with free benefits, tenure, only requires you to work 9 months a year, and you have a job to come back too. You people really are pathetic, why don’t you just shut your mouths and concentrate on raising the education level in America so that all the jobs are not gone for your own children!

  Who am I: A 19-year veteran of IT and the Army. I’ve worked for major corporations, privately held companies, small businesses, in Healthcare, Manufacturing, Finance, Distribution, Education (yes, just like you), Trade Associations, Insurance, and Agriculture. I’ve been all around this great country of ours and worked in 11 states. I’m proud to be an American and for the 4th time in my life I’m unemployed. I have 4 kids and a wife to support so I will not be unemployed for long. Like I said earlier, count your blessing and spend your energy trying to do you jobs better.

• Pink123 April 14th, 2009 at 10:48 am 100

  I am mother of 2 kids with 12 years of IT experience. I have a Masters in COmputers. My kids would be going to school next year. I am thinking of moving into Education. This will give me more relaxed work and be with my kids. What do you guys think of the opportunities I have in the Thousand Oaks, CA area? I have never taught in a school setting before but I think I am good with teaching kids. I can teach science, maths and of course computers. Appreciate any input…opportunities, salary, benefits etc.

  Thanks

• blue April 16th, 2009 at 10:08 pm 101

  I am considering becoming a P.E. teacher. I was wondering what some other P.E. teachers are making, and if they make the same as any other teacher, particulary in TN. I was would also appreciate some comments from P.E. teachers about their job and if they truly enjoy doing it.
  Thank You

• Sheena April 21st, 2009 at 7:10 pm 102

  I just thought I would share a tidbit of information with those of you who have not been teachers, but have this optimistic view of what teaching is going to be like.

  Honestly, and I mean this in the most pleasant way possible, this career can be an absolute nightmare.

  I have taught for two years and I was EXTREMELY optimistic before I started teaching, all throughout student teaching I just knew I was going to love it, etc. Things will change for you, mark my words.

  Endless paperwork, administration problems, angry/volatile/greedy children who will literally spit in your face, steal your stuff, and tell you to f*ck off (I worked in elementary by the way). Parents won’t do anything about it and you will be subjected to much scrutiny and hours upon hours upon hours of work. As someone said, the pay is a slap in the face! I have no children, no mortgage, no car payment and I wear pants with holes in them. I am not exaggerating. I literally “float” checks every month to pay bills, and I NEVER buy anything for myself. I took my salary and divided it by the amount of hours I worked this past year, I made a little less than $6.00 an hour.

  There are joys but they do not outweigh the cons. I remember having this very optimistic view of how I was going to change education, how I WASN’T going to be like my teachers growing up, and I have stood true to that… but I didn’t sign up for a lifeless existence where I never leave the confines of my house because I spend my entire weekend differentiating lessons or preparing for Bobby’s student support meeting.

  If you want a family, a life, and you can’t just settle at doing a mediocre job, then run away. I am sorry if it sounds harsh, but I would rather be honest then watch you follow my mistakes. Ask me two years ago, I was sure I was “born to be a teacher”, now I realize I was in love the idea of teaching, not what teaching is in today’s age. The sad thing is that no one knows until your in the classroom, and then it’s too late!

• Char April 21st, 2009 at 7:45 pm 103

  “And while you at it being personally offended by this message, you should check out the unemployment rate for the nation, and then count your blessings that you have a nice cushy job, loaded with free benefits, tenure, only requires you to work 9 months a year, and you have a job to come back too. You people really are pathetic, why don’t you just shut your mouths and concentrate on raising the education level in America so that all the jobs are not gone for your own children!”

  Amazing, and I am sure you’ve never stepped over a foot into a classroom. I don’t want to hear crap how you’ve worked in “education,” teaching and working in a field with your “IT” experience has major differences.

  Give me a break, “cushy”? You should be smacked in the mouth for blatant disrespect. I get less than 6 hours a sleep a night and I just lost my job this year due to layoffs, so you can throw that garbage right out the window.

  I am sure with your IT salary, you really understand what it is like not to be able to buy a new pair of shoes. Money management has nothing to do with it! Try working in OK where the AVERAGE salary is 33,000. That’s not starting salary…

  It’s people and parents like you who make teachers want to leave. Educate yourself before you come bashing a profession you know so little about. Need more information? I’d be happy to pass along my 10 page article on why teachers leave…

• pink123 April 25th, 2009 at 7:52 pm 104

  Well Char..that’s rude, really really rude. If you really wanted to vent, please excuse me….do you think I haven’t gone through a layoff? Come on Char, you don’t know me. Please think twice before you call somebody “cushy”…or some absurd made up word. Sleeping for 6 hours? I have to travel 4 hours daily to keep my job…now who is it that needs a break?

  Char, you make a point about my IT salary. Do you think, I am able to draw that kind of salary by just partying hard and going on spring breaks. No, I put my parents’ hard earned money and my time and energy to make it through college, so that I can have a better life for me and my family. What did you think, I am asking for help on the forum just for fun?

  Sheena, I really appreciate your input. I have heard from others how difficult it is, specially when the parents and kids don’t cooperate in the process of ‘raising the education level in America’ (Char’s words).

• TexasTeacher April 25th, 2009 at 9:42 pm 105

  There sure are a lot of angry people out there! I have been teaching middle school in Texas for six years. Some weeks I hate it; some weeks I love it. For all of those who have made generalizations about teachers, you have to remember that there are incompetent people in all professions. I’ve had horrible teachers and excellent teachers. The biggest problems on my campus are unnecessary meetings and paperwork, ineffective leadership, and neglectful parents. Teachers end up being counselors, jailers, and parents. I don’t feel that I get paid what I’m worth, but I’m making more than I did as a secretary in an office (where I was doing the work of two people and got a thirty cent raise over a period of six and a half years). I could make more money at another job, but I choose to teach because I enjoy it and I like the kids. If I ever get to the point that I don’t, I’ll change careers. I’ve done it before, and I can do it again.

• pink123 April 29th, 2009 at 5:02 am 106

  Thanks for your input TexasTeacher. Love your attitude !

  “I could make more money at another job, but I choose to teach because I enjoy it and I like the kids. If I ever get to the point that I don’t, I’ll change careers. I’ve done it before, and I can do it again.”

• Lori May 4th, 2009 at 7:37 pm 107

  WHO IS THAT INTELLECTUAL CHALLENGED PERSON BEATING UP ON TEACHERS. SHE IS ONE OF THOSE UNEDUCATED PERSON THAT WILL NEVER TEACH HER CHILDREN TO RESPECT TEACHERS. I THINK ALL TEACHERS SHOULD BE EARNING FOOTBALL PLAYERS SALARY. THEY WORK JUST AS HARD AS THOSE FELLOWS.SHOW ME AN EDUCATED PERSON, BE IT PRESIDENT OR PAUPER AND SEE IF THE CAN BE ANY DENYING THAT THERE IS A TEACHER AND A PARENT THAT LOVES AND VALUED EDUCATION ENOUGH TO WORKED INCONJUNCTION WITH THEIR CHILD’S TEACHER. MOST OF THE PARENTS JUST LET THEIR KIDS GROW LIKE WILD OATS AND EXPECTED THE TEACHER TO PROVIDE HIGH LEVEL EDUCATION WHEN THE ALL PARENTS ARE THEIR CHILD’S FIRST TEACHER. WHO DO THE THINK THESE TEACHERS ARE JESUS. THANK YOU ALL TEACHERS I KNOW I COULD NOT SPEND ONE DAY IN YOUR SHOES.

• Lucille May 5th, 2009 at 10:57 am 108

  Hey, what’s everyone talking about? I posted a comment, and no one responded! It would be nice if someone could give me some advice! “Thanks”

  ellie

• Rob May 21st, 2009 at 9:44 am 109

  I came to this forum to research teacher salaries from state to state. I really didn’t find the data I was looking for.

  Instead, I found that the problems teachers are experiencing in Florida, are similar all over the country.

  I am disappointed in the comments from ill informed individuals who believe that teachers “have it cushy.” It is these sorts of attitudes that have made it difficult for teaching professionals to be able to get the tools and supplies necessary in order to be able to fulfill the requirements imposed upon them by their states and local school boards.

  I am reminded of a bumper sticker I saw some years ago…”Wouldn’t it be great if schools got all the funding needed and the military needed to hold a bake sale in order to buy bullets”

  Teachers help mold the future. A teaching job does not end when the school bell rings and the kids leave the classroom.

• FL_Teacher June 27th, 2009 at 10:42 pm 110

  “Cushy” is hardly how I would describe a teacher’s life. I just finished my second year of teaching in a not-so-cushy school. Fighting, swearing, and disrespect from teenagers is not my ideal surroundings, but I continue to teach there because I love the feeling of possibly making a positive difference in the lives of children, many of whom do not have a stable family life or the best of economic situations. As a single person, my salary of about $38000 (including 2 supplements – one for commuting to a school not many want to go to and one for being sponsor which requires many additional hrs added onto the “7.5″ we supposedly work) should be enough. However, living costs are high here and so are utilities. I’ve had my water turned off, and almost lost my electricity today because I simply couldn’t afford to make the payments. I do spend money on so-called pleasures, unless food and gas are listed under that category. I try to manage my money in a very frugal way, but every little thing adds up so quickly ($1000 rent, $200 Electric, $60 a week in gas, the list goes on). So, I pose a question to all: Does that sound cushy? I’m not trying to complain, I’m really not. I am very greatful to still have a job. I thank God for that. However, we teachers bust our butts every day, from dealing with administration to grading and creating “fun” lessons to keep the kids engaged, to mandatory summer training (yes we do have to work in the summer) to classes I am currently taking (in the summer) to increase my teaching ability and become more highly qualified. I love what I do, that’s why I’m doing it. So, please don’t belittle a profession that many hard-working ppl do every day. RESPECT teachers and maybe, just maybe, the complaining and griping you see on here might decrease. To all the teachers and prospective teachers out there: Keep your head up and keep doing the awesome job that you are already doing! We ARE making difference in the lives of children, even though some ppl may not see it (but I don’t see those ppl in the classroom either!) Don’t give up and remember, we are molding the future!
  P.S. I am not an English teacher, so please do not inform me of any grammar/spelling mistakes I may have made. Thank you! Take care!

• bigguy15 July 12th, 2009 at 11:23 pm 111

  I teach in louisiana and the salary is not bad when you consider the cost of living here. Sure it is true that teachers have a better retirement system than most professions, however the health care here is actually a little more expensive than what alot of non-teachers pay for the same exact coverage. Dental and vision are not free here, and quite frankly it’s very bad insurance and not worth the money. Teaching is actually a 10 month job in most places now, but that 2 month break is one of the only redeeming qualities of the job, other than the satisfaction of helping young people. It has been my experience that teaching is full of more disapointmenting experiences than joyful ones, but in order to be succesful as a teacher you must be able to keep that in perspective; you are not going to save the world, no matter how hard you try. However, if yo try really hard you might help 3 or 4 kids in your career. If you can handle that, you will be just fine.

• nenanoo July 18th, 2009 at 2:53 am 112

  You all are complaining about not making enough money. I have never known of a teacher who lives in a small house or drives a beat up car or wears bad clothes. They always lives in big, fine homes, drive nice cars and dress to the nines.

  Someone complained of making $800 in two weeks. I make $800 in a MONTH. Going back to school would help me make way more money than I am making right now. I work for the public and put up with crap too. There are many days I would like to cry because of how badly people treat me. Try making $8.30 an hour! You would croak!

  You also get insurance and have vacation time. I have insurance through my husband, thank God. I have no vacation time and seriously need it!

  I plan on going back to school and getting a bachelor’s degree to teach elementary school and then while teaching working on getting my masters. Maybe I will be like you all and complain about it someday.

• Classy6 July 22nd, 2009 at 2:12 pm 113

  Stop complaining about your pay and be thankful you have a paycheck. DO U REALIZE HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE OUT OF WORK AND WISH THE HAD A JOB TO COMPLAIN ABOUT. YOU SHOULD BE THANKING GOD AND QUIT YOUR GUMBLING.
  YOU HAVE PEOPLE OUT THERE THAT ARE HOMELESS, HUNGRY, JOBLESS, AND NO ONE TO TURN TO. IT IS NOT ALWAYS BY THEIR OWN DOING THE REASON THEY ARE IN THE SITUTATION THEY ARE IN. BUT YOU PEOPLE NEED TO TAKE A GOOD HARD LONG LOOK AT WHAT YOU DO HAVE AND STOP COMPLAINING ABOUT WHAT YOU DON’T HAVE.

• NITIN July 24th, 2009 at 7:12 am 114

  i am having masters degree in physics and masters degree in education and masters in phylosophy and having post graduate diploma in computer science having 18 years of experince ……how much salary can i get in atlanta georgia state usa in high schools for physical science teaching ….

  how much salary i will get

• Rebecca Mazzella July 24th, 2009 at 7:49 pm 115

  Greetings to all 114! I can’t believe I read every single response, but I am glad I did. I, like many of you, am a professional educator (32 years experience in elementary and middle school education). Now that I am 56 years old, I too wonder why did and do I continue in this profession. Yes I signed the contract for the offered salary, I am a union member, but I won’t strike during the school year, if I have sign the contract.
  When I started teaching, my salary was $10,000. For a kid out of college, for a contract of TEN MONTHS or 200 days, that was great…that was in 1978 in WV. I was single, living at home, no worries. College tution in 1971 at WVU or any state university was $125 to $135. Those were the days. Now we are looking at $2,500 for tuition. So I got a real good deal in higher education cost for a B.S. in Education. Now older and some wiser … I do wish I obtained my masters. After 13 years of teaching, my salary stayed frozen unless there was a State cross the board raise. This does not happen very often. My salary today is $43,000. My husband is a teacher also … together we gross $78,000. My son will be a freshman in college this year. FERPA says we can afford to pay $17,000 towards his education this year. The federal goverernment does not take in consideration our already financial obligations.
  I am thankful that I have a job … I thank God every night when I pray. Things could be worse and for us they have been and for some single teachers they are. Those who are concerned about house payments, car payments, insurance home and mobile, utilities … you have that right to be concerned on “how to make ends meet”. The following are just some of my personal beliefs, based on life experience … don’t have answers or solutions for all things, but here goes…
  Why is there a lack of respect by people outside the education field?
  Because some of the educators don’t respect themself or what they do.
  Sometimes I wish we were paid like back in the olden days … where housing was provided for that one room school teacher, students brought coal in to help heat the teacher’s home, eggs and other food items were also given. At least we would not have to worry about a house payment, food, and utilities. Mine is $820. That does not include utilities etc. I do not live in a big house or a fancy neighborhood. The only teachers I know that live in big houses and fancy neighborhoods are those whose husbands have a higher paying job and the teacher’s salary is more like … the families “mad money” for vacations, extra cars, name brand clothes, etc. So to them, they teach because “It’s all about the children”, “Out of the ‘love of teaching’”, “Hoping to make a differnce in a child’s life”, “Empty Nest”, “Someone elses turn to be homeroom mother”. I am very serious. We live in a modest home that started out as $96,000, but because of financial needs due to medical illness, refinancing a couple times so we wouldn’t loose our home…anyway, back on the farm. Medical insurance for FREE is NOT a given. It was when I started teaching … it was given in place of a PAY RAISE. Now I pay 60/40 … the new teachers starting out in WV will now NOT BE PARTICIPATING IN THAT PAY RAISE. Unfortunately, if they want insurance … it will all come out of THEIR SALARY (When my sister was off sick, for a single coverage it was $400 a month) and WV does have teacher unions. The unions are not a guarantee that we are compensated for all we give “Freely … No Child Left Behind”. I cannot in my county ask a student to have pencil or paper.
  My county allocated budget has to provide. I teach art, so 95% of my supplies I order are consumeable. The other is sometimes 5 fingered discounted. Wonder how many colleges are providing the students with a computer in their dorm room this year … or that’s right No Child Left Behind stops after graduation. When you are 18 you are an adult … right? Lots of work experience & money saved …not!I truly feel that comments made by teachers like, “we are not in it for the money” etc. is part of the reason “We are not given the money”.
  As I repeat myself, it is great to do charity work … but don’t make it’s someones livelyhood.
  Those who are financially independant, let someone who needs a job have your teaching job.
  If your parents have set up a trust fund where it really doesn’t matter what you major in, because financially you don’t need it, join the Peace Corp. I applaud you for trying to make it on your own … but when it comes down to who bought your car, paid for your education, decorates your home or buys your home … don’t take a teaching job from someone who needs the money. Become a Teacher’s Advocate!
  My heart does go out to the singles or singel family teachers. If you get sick, you have no financial back up to help when you are down. Sick leave are earned days … pay is docked if you have not worked x amount days to earn your 1-16. If you use up your sick leave, I hope you BUY disablity insurance, but that doesn’t kick in until you haven’t worked 45 days. In WV we earn 16 days per year. My sister is single, 2 master degrees, $48,000. When she came down with cancer the first time and used up all of her sick leave, there was no husband to help pick up the slack. My husband and I try to help the best we can, but “you can’t bleed blood from a turnip”. Unfortunately there has been another cancer operation and needs of sick leave, plus things like regular gallbladder etc… etc… she is a fantastic … creative teacher … Even with insurance she has a $2,000 out of pocket before insurance kicks in 100% for hospital stays only, and we still have a co-pay of $20 for each doctor visit…whether they can figure out what is wrong or not. Medicine $5-$50 co-pay. This past week she was prescribed 3 meds and non of them ended up helping to make her well. Of course the first two, after going back two times to the doc ended up being the wrong medicium, but the 3rd she did have to finish and each was $40 a piece.
  I like many teachers are thankful that the dept. of edu where we are employeed offers a 12 month pay option to the 10 month. I am not getting free money, I have already earned the money I get over the summer … I am on 12 months, but my pay check is smaller during the year … we have our pay deferred so like a savings account without interest, we will have money coming in. Yes it is nice to have certain holidays off, but they ARE NOT PAID HOLIDAYS. Yearly calendars are made to be sure we are in house … the school teaching 200 days with students. We are told when we may have time off. I don’t need a week at Christmas & Easter, I would rather get out in May instead of mid-June. Wow summers off … peak season for vacations $$$ Wish I could take advantage of some non peak prices. It is looked down upon if we take time off for “vacations” during non-peak seasons or our spouse. Some boards of education see it as a breach in contract and a “disciplinary letter” is put in your file.
  The 16 days of sick leave we earn … we may use 3 days as personal. We don’t have to say how we are using them, but as a “parent” those 3 days could end up being that you had to stay home because your child is sick. Sorry, homeroom mothers are so wonderful, but most teachers in elementary school want ones who can give more than 2 days to help plan parties, field trips, help with book fairs during school hours. So as a parent. I was off when my child was off from school. GREAT! But in elementary school, I went to one parent child lunch before Thanksgiving. I never saw my child get off the school bus and run happily to the front door to tell all about the wonderful day, except when I had to stay home sick from a unmentioned fringe benefit – the time a student threw up all over me, to ask if he could go to the rest room, or the lice problems, these students were from well to do families. It can happen to anyone. But I still have to use my sick leave, when a parent should have kept their child home… plus I then need a doctor’s excuse $$$$$. It makes you wonder. Lunches at school are expensive, but during cafe duty I often get to rumage through the garbage to help a student find their retainer. This year I slid and fell hurting my back, neck and knee due to a food fight. Workman’s comp helped with Physical therapy, but I couldn’t go as often as needed due to the fact, yes, I work a second job after school to help make ends meet. I also have to do volunteer work at my work place, no told to or in contract, but to be able to upgrade the computer I have to have in my room to send attendance I had to earn the $$. How many people have to buy the computer you work on for work??? State departments say “students have to experience blah, blah blah … mandated Content Standards … where’s the beef? Where’s the funding? Where are my supplies? Does the Department of education make their employees spend their own money (keep receipts for tax time), ask for patrons, car washes??? Always funds for New uniforms for football this year!!! But computers? Clay? Paint? etc???
  Chaperone dances … those are fun. It is fun to see students interacting outside a classroom environment, until you have to call the parent, and the parent sees nothing wrong with fighting, or “dirty dancing”… or their clothes do not meet county dress code. So the puppies are exposed and the pants are belted at the knees and the underware … TMI.
  One of the things teaching has done for me is to keep me young … is it the new vocabulary and what it means, music I deplore…It makes me stay current and on top of things…challenges me!

  So if you go into teaching … join the union, they went to bat for me when I wasn’t going to be able to use my sick leave for maternity leave, because my delivery was via adoption. I did get to use my sick leave after they went to bat for me! Yea AFT Union! I teach because I didn’t leave WV to go to NY to get a job in the theatre acting or design … didn’t have what it would take to leave home. It wasn’t in the cards. I truly believe what I teach is important in a person’s life. Inspite of student & parent remarks about “He doesn’t like art … he likes football” “I don’t like to draw” Well, there’s lots of things I don’t like, but the fact is Art is life … art is everywhere and artistic decisions are made constantly throughout life aesthetically and functionally. So my students can accept or reject what I have to offer. I cannot want more for them, then what they want for themself.
  I teach because that is what my parents told me to major in (Art 1-12 and I chose speech and drama 7-12) If I had it to do over … architecture would have been my choice.
  In 4-5 years my son will be out of college and I will retire and do something else.
  I believe education needs the young … even without experience … you hear that alot … we are looking for an experienced teacher … hello!!
  How are the New teacher going to get the experience unless they are hired.
  I use to take work home, and grade to the wee hours. No longer do I do that. I may stay until 5ish … but I do not grade at home. Teachers need lives too.
  I give no homework over holidays, because I no longer spend my holidays grading and designing new art stations, project ideas etc.
  Work is done at school … I have too much work to do at home … like … cook, clean, laundry, grocery shopping and oh yes … fam time.

  What ever you do in life … don’t make excuses for why you chose teaching … you teach because that was your choice, that is what makes you happy … if you are happy with everything teaching comes with, then it is your nitch…but don’t sell yourself short.
  We as educators wear many hats … you get what you pay for … I tell my students about the work they turn in, grades … I asked them … how many of you would pay a housing contractor to put up only the studs of a house for $300,000 dollars without the trimmings. No one agreed to that. So the same with me and their art work. If they were to do a “completed composition” and they hand me a couple squiggles in a corner or half a drawing … don’t expect the grade they want. It’s a waste of my time to turn in incomplete work and a lack of respect to themselves and me.
  Respect needs to be shown to teachers like in “Jerry McQuire” …. “Show me the money”
  Respect … some of those who talk about “bad” teachers … there are none…how did they get into law school, become doctors, or join the service???? When one points their finger at someone for not doing “their job” there are 3 pointing back at themself.
  Have a good year and be good to yourself!

• Idolette July 25th, 2009 at 9:03 am 116

  Sad situation. After 20 years of teaching, I only made $35,000, have a child and home to support, and was cut $16,000 for the next school year. Who can make it on $19,000 on Long Island? I had to leave the job to seek employment in another field.

  It seems many on Long Island complain that the teacher’s salaries are too high! Not so in all cases. Is teaching really a profession to encourage others to go in these days?

  I think NOT

• Gerianne July 25th, 2009 at 10:48 am 117

  I do not wish to offend you, or belittle your educational accomplishments, but you should really take some courses in English and communications.

• Cliff July 27th, 2009 at 4:33 pm 118

  Folks, my daughter is a new teacher. We live the state of Maryland and after 2yrs she was part of a state cutback and was devastated. When she first told me of her want to teach I tried to talk her out of it.Let me explain why, I watched the state of Md 8 or 10 yrs ago hire many new teachers( $250,000 for the job fair) to then 1 year later decide because of budget issues to let 50% of the new hires go. It was horrible at my daughters school, many teachers had relocated, purchased houses or had leases and could not just “be out of work”. Seeing this and not wanting my child to be in this type of situation I advised her continue her education and become a doctor, engineer anything but a teacher. Also I come from a family of teachers and have my entire life heard my older sisters and their colleagues speak in private about how crappy they are treated by parents, principals and administration. As far as your unions go, you are on your own. I love teachers, I love the committment it takes but in the States we undervalue and over regulate our teachers and I would not recommend the field to anyone. That is speaking as a father and taxpayer.

  CB

• Ashley August 2nd, 2009 at 8:20 am 119

  I keep on seeing comments from people in different cities and states keep on comparing their salaries to other cities and states without taking into consideration the cost of living, commuting, etc. in that particular city or state. What pays for a nice new home in North Carolina pays for a shack in New York and California. I always chuckle when I hear this type of comment when people are bragging about someone in California making $60,000 a year.

• Corrine August 3rd, 2009 at 6:28 pm 120

  Someone mentioned teaching abroad to make more money. I lived abroad in Japan for a year to teach English as a foreign language. I´ll say, it WAS a great experience and the fact that I´d get paid 55k right out of college was very appealing! I didn´t, however, take into consideration that my rent would be over 1500 a month and a basic lunch would be around $15! If you´re considering working abroad, do some serious research on cost of living and rate of exchange. I don´t regret any of it, because when will I have that chance later in life to live in Japan?
  Right now I´m in Peru working for a lot less but also saving most of it because of very low cost of living! PLUS a lot of teaching abroad only requires a 100-hour TEOFL certificate that you can complete in two months. Just my two cents!

• Corrine August 3rd, 2009 at 6:38 pm 121

  I also wanted to add one thing about teaching abroad. Although I grew up in, went to H.S. and college in the United States, I haven´t done either student teaching or professional teaching there. From some of the horror stories I´ve heard on this forum, U.S. kids are absolute brats! I have a plan to return to the U.S. in a few years, get my master´s in education and teach Spanish in highschools, but I´m slowly starting to rethink my “plan¨. In Japan, students were extremely respectful/ curious of my “western-ness” (although there is a LOT of western influence there already). Language barriers and cultural differences made teaching difficult, but I never felt disrespected.
  My hearts go out to my brothers and sisters teaching in the US, and might you consider the possibility of teaching abroad for a year? A lot of jobs (especially in Asia and the middle east) will pay for your room and board. Just a suggestion.

• Tyronda Joyner August 9th, 2009 at 7:28 am 122

  I saw a website called Aclipse that offered positions teaching abroad. I want to do this so bad and I am currently in school for elementary education. The company said that one of the requirements was to have a bachelors degree, which obviously I do not have yet. Do you know of any way around this or a company who does not have this as a requirement.

• antoinette August 15th, 2009 at 9:44 pm 123

  Needed to know some information about teachers and I am so glad this website helped a lot. One more thing I would want to know is exactly how much the starting salary in new york city is? Also does anybody know if one could [obtain] a job in teaching after an [associate] degree in education. If yes, how much should one be looking at?

• Tim September 8th, 2009 at 7:57 pm 124

  After reading a few post I had to comment on my experience as a teacher regarding their salary. I got into teaching because I wanted to help young adults, coach sports and have the enjoyment of more time spent with raising my girls. I completely agree to the fact that teachers are under paid in most cases, not all but most. I made it 3 years before I was eaten alive. I’ve been cussed at, broken up plenty of fights, and while there another teacher was even punched by a parent. I’ve had my windows broke in the classroom and had plenty of lessons unfinished due to fist fights in the middle of class. Teaching in a city school is probably the toughest thing you can do, and the turn over for teaches is ridiculous at that level. In my 3 years of teaching I was the only one left out of 14 new hires by the 3rd year. My mentors fed me all the lines of classroom management, prep and everything you can think of. By my 3rd year I had no choice but to run a tight ship like a drill instructor just to get things done, yet still the school was a mess and the kids were rough. I respect anyone working in a city school and they deserve every penny they make and should be making a lot more. Kids can get away with far too much in school these days and they know it. Even though I don’t teach any longer, I actually started my own business and I would have never done it had I not had such a bad experience, but now I am thankful for it because it’s brought me the freedom I’ve been looking for. I seriously saw myself teaching for 30 years, and though I don’t anymore they should be paid a lot more because the stuff they deal with in the classroom and out is enough to to make you say uncle.

• From Ontario, Canada September 10th, 2009 at 9:50 pm 125

  Just to give you a sense of what things are like “north of the border” (Canada).

  $1 CAD = $0.92 USD

  In Ontario a beginning teacher earns (gross) $38K-$47 CAD ($35-43K USD), depending on location (city vs. town) and education (bacholor vs. master degree). After ~4 years that goes up to $52-60K CAD and after 11 years to $80K to $90K. Teachers are required to be at work from the Tuesday after the first Monday in September (day after Labour Day holiday) to the end of June.

  To give you a sense of taxes at the top end, if you earn $80K CAD your take-home after ALL deductions (taxes, pension) is $55K CAD ($50K USD). At lower income levels your take home is a much higher proportion of your gross income [people often have an overinflated belief of how much tax they actually pay].

  Standard health care (surgery, doctor’s visits, etc.) is universal and free as long as you are a resident of Canada. Drugs are separate but ALL teachers in ALL jurisdictions will have additional medical coverage simply by being employed full time (part timers often have to pay extra for drugs coverage).

  Teacher salaries vary across the country but they’re usually in-line with cost of living.

  Teachers tend to get paid in the top 20%-10% of all wage earners in Canada which is also commensurate with their typical education levels. Good pay has attracted strong candidates to teaching and it’s paid off — Canada often ranks amongst the top for educational outcomes. Perhaps that’s the path the US should follow rather than nickel-and-diming its schools. Teachers with more than a few years of experience earning $30K USD? Those salaries you see in many developing nations .

  Good luck to you all.

  PS Before you jump on the next plane and head up to Ontario (my stomping ground), you should note that teaching jobs are in short supply at the moment. A combination of political developments from 1995-2002 (scared new teachers away) and a recent lull in retirements has lead to an over-supply of under-employed teachers .

• Kate September 11th, 2009 at 2:34 am 126

  Well, I think one of the things that people complaining about teachers lavish salaries (I make 30,000) are forgetting is that most of us have 6 years of college education. Me, I’m planning to leave. I’m good at my job (teaching awards, good results, ect.) I work with special ed and violently disturbed kids. On bad days, I get punched, spit on etc. I still love the kiddos, but the respect from the rest of the world is the problem. Frankly, we pay jobs that we respect more higher and we treat people based on their pay. For your reference, my husband and I live in a one bedroom apartment and we can’t afford the health insurance that’s part of my package, so we get it through his job. Partially due to stress, we lost a pregnancy this year and it’s been the final straw. Reading the incredibly disrespectful posts on this forum have convinced me of several things.

  1) If you really hate teachers that much, you should home school your kids. Everyone wins that way, right?

  2) Education issues are much higher up the ladder than some one barely making enough to pay her bills can influence. My big goal this year: have enough chairs for all of my students.

  3) We aren’t in a position to be successful. Those of you who think it’s so easy really ought to come and show the rest of us how it’s done. Most of my kids are transitioning from mental institions or juvenile facilities. One of them shot at one of his peers. He’s 11. Have fun.

  I have 6 years of college experience and frankly, make the same amount per paycheck as I did in my last summer job. If you never, ever got a pay raise, you’d be bitter too. No one tells IT professionals they should stay in the field because they love it. (Frankly, my summer job was with an IT company and it was the easiest job I’ve ever had. No respect for bashing people who actually work for a living.)

  As for the associates degree, you need to get that BA, but you can work as an assistant, which is a great way to get experience. Pay will really very with where you live, but probably won’t be very high.

• Jen September 14th, 2009 at 3:02 am 127

  I just graduated with my master’s degree in English in France, and I plan to come to the US for fall 2010 to take my certificate and be a French teacher.
  For those who were wondering, you need to have at least a bachelor’s and to pass a very selective competition called CAPES (20% make it each year) to be a teacher in France. Then, the state places you in a school for the rest of your life whether you like it or not. If you quit, they cancel your competition certificate (!). You get paid about 1100€ a month after taxes. After 3 to 5 years, you can expect a raise up to 1500€. Salaries do not depend on schools, they are nationwide based. Our biggest advantage over US teachers is that we teach only about 20 to 22h a week. The social benefits are the same than any other employee in France.
  The point of my post, outside giving some info about teachers on France was to ask what percentage of taxes do you pay in the US. I know it seems to depend on a lot of things in the US (in France, everybody is the same: 23%).
  Thank you so much for anybody who would answer, at least my giving me his gross and after taxes example.

• Lara Brogdon September 17th, 2009 at 4:00 pm 128

  Good for Canadians. As for Kate, your comment reeks of bitterness – so yes,you probably should find something else. I have many many friends who are either profs or middle school public school teachers. Salary pkg should be examined based on retirement, state benefits, only work 9 mos of year, etc. Yes, and other pros work offtime for which they aren’t paid either. Homeschooling parents pay taxes for a service they don’t use – and don’t whine about it either. Why look at it at US vs. THEM. Public, private schools and homeschoolers all care about children !

• Rod September 17th, 2009 at 6:11 pm 129

  Hey all!

  I am a teacher of 24 years and have an advanced degree. I checked on teaching overseas several times but found every time that we were better off in the U.S.- at least for now. In Australia for example, withholding taxes are about 48%. That includes national healthcare. Housing is about the same as here. The problem? Taxes. That was the case in every other sampling I took. Countries may say that they make $70K as a teacher but when you only get half of it, that is quite a difference. My state does not have state income tax and I only pay federal. My advice is not only to look at salaries but all the taxes and retirement benefits. Some districts pay your medical care after retirement too. As teachers, you really need to look at the whole picture since it is a career choice for 25-30 years!

• Kat September 19th, 2009 at 11:44 am 130

  It’s a shame that teacher’s don’t get payed very well in the United States. It sounds like things are much better for teachers in Canada.

• Nicole September 30th, 2009 at 2:58 pm 131

  I am a junior majoring in Elementary Education at University of Central Florida and I am planning to move to California (probably Los Angeles area) when I graduate (May 2011). Do any of you Californians have any advice as to schools or cities that are doing the most hiring of first year teachers?

  I agree with most of you when you say that you have to look at cost of living vs salary. What really made me upset was that they were a couple people saying stop complaining you make enough. Don’t get me wrong, I know it will be a blessing to have a job. But as far as teachers getting paid enough, I don’t agree. Teachers are with these kids for six hours a day/five days a week (most students will sleep at least 8 hours a day)that is a quarter of the student’s day Monday-Friday. I think that teacher deserve a lot more than what they get because most do put in a lot of effort. Actors and sports players get way more in a month or two (sometimes in the matter of days) than teachers do in a year. Why are they more important than students that they deserve that much money? It’s crazy to me how people can post those comments saying stop whining and complaining. Most (not all) teachers are underpaid and have a right to be upset. But it is because we love what we do and like to make a difference in a student’s life, that we pick this profession. Obviously it is not because we think we are going to get paid a lot. On the other hand, teachers should not be getting paid so little that they have to live paycheck to paycheck and worry about how they are going to cover next month’s rent.

  It is crazy how the government says that teachers make a difference and are important but then turn around and won’t pay them as much as they are paying other ‘important’ professions (doctors, lawyers, actors, etc).

• Magistra October 14th, 2009 at 6:39 am 132

  For people interested in teaching English abroad: I taught ESL in Hungary for two years, now I teach at a university in China. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to teach. The students are more respectful in both places (I was a sub in America before all this) and the school’s expectations of you are low. I do NOT mean you should do this if you are not committed to quality teaching. The point is that the schools leave you alone. No meetings, no parents conferences etc. It is quite easy to find a position in China. They hire 150,000+ teachers per year. Just figure out what city you want to live in, Wiki to find out what universities are there, then send your resume/pic/recommendations to all the universities that have some English on the website. I found a position overnight. I am certainly not wealthy ($600/month), but I have 3+ months of paid vacation, a free ok apartment and lots of travel experience under my belt. This is probably the only remotely “cushy” teaching job in the world. Please be culturally respectful and work hard when you come! This is still a real job.

• newbie October 26th, 2009 at 4:51 pm 133

  Hello everyone. I came to this website also to research teacher salaries and was quickly caught up in all of the comments. I am pursuing my teaching degree and have not been convinced of doing otherwise but some of these really scare me. Did all of the teachers I had feel this way? Did they all wish they were somewhere else than in the classroom with us? I really do understand those who are not happy with the pay. Everyone in every profession (not counting the wealthy, of course) thinks they should be making more than they do. When you work hard every day and know you are doing more than is asked of you, it’s easy to think so. Even after a raise that you are SO excited about can seem too small after another six months seeing that paycheck.

  I only ask all of you to take a look at yourselves. We have one lifetime, one chance and making ours the best it can be, and if we’re lucky to make a difference in someone else’s life. If you’ve been a teacher for 30 years and decide you’re done, quit. Pursue another career. Do what makes you happy and makes you feel like you are living up to what YOU think is life’s best. Money, unfortunately, is very important but live according to your pay if that is the job you want.

  The world is not a happy place these days and our children are watching all of it. Every child deserves a chance at a great education. Not every child will be perfect and not every parent will be understanding but that is part of the job. It is our job to make sure the children always have someone to learn from. Let’s be the example we’re supposed to be and take pride in our careers.

• Arizona Teacher November 1st, 2009 at 11:06 am 134

  My master’s degree would net more money in another profession. Don’t get me wrong, I’m glad I have my job, and it is stable enough to keep me content. I have general clothes and an economy car. That’s the basics in life. However, there’s not much money left over for splurging (is having cable splurging?) or even Happy Hour. Vacation consists of walks in the park, with Disneyland as being a far fantasy.

  If you’re a “good/skilled” teacher, you know that you have the skills, intelligence, and perseverance to be raking in 6 figures in a different field of work… with much less stress (think of distribution managers with possibly just a GED). True, these jobs are competitive, but not really so much with the qualifications that a “good/skilled” teacher possesses.

  It is tempting… quite tempting sometimes. What happens though when the “good/skilled” teachers leave? What is society left with then?

  My heart would break to see my school in the hands of incompetence. The school where there are children that I have cried, sweated, and teared for (metaphorically speaking) in order to get them to become moral, responsible, and educated individuals.

  That is why I stay.

• jen November 13th, 2009 at 1:00 am 135

  Don’t be unnecesasarily grossed out by reality.. be gentle with yourself….I once went into teaching on the whim of saving the world with my unbelievable creativity and compassion….I hated school and took it up after I got my BS and didn;t have the understanding of how to enter the field I had majored in….Mass Com..you could really argue that universities don’t even prepare you for what you have to do…at any rate …teaching was an afterthought for me….I am subversive…I hate curricular regularity….it makes me sick

• ria November 14th, 2009 at 1:48 pm 136

  I personally feel that its quite fair that there is this rule. Teachers should be able to teach all types of students. And I am a student! No, I did not read them all, sadly. I have a life with other stuff to do as well. I don’t get why everybody is getting so worked up about it!?

• Brianca Page November 16th, 2009 at 9:11 pm 137

  my mother is a headstart teacher and during the summer she has to drwn her unemployment.headstart is extremely strict even more thamn the public school system and they get paid less