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Home : 2003 : August : 3

private schools
By Betsy

I teach at a non-denominational Christian school and I make about $15K less than a first year public school teacher. My school offers benefits but since I don't need them (my husband has great medical already) I don't
get any extra pay for not having them. The teachers at the charter schools here make the same as a beginning teacher in the district they are working in. Another thing you need to consider is that at a private school you are likely to be paying into Social Security and state taxes, as a state employee (all school districts and charter schools) you do not. You have to earn so many lifetime

credits to collect any S.S. later on it would be wise to see if you've already earned them. I also get paid on a 12 month calendar, not 10 months like the district. I only have a 1 year contract, no guarantees on a permanent job. I had to have a current credential for my job, and I have to take continuting ed. units. Some smaller schools don't require credentials.
I'm not sure what you are expecting as a teacher but it is a very demanding career and will consume most of your time the first few years, so if you want to be "home for your family" I wouldn't recommend it right now. I come home at 5 p.m. and still work into the wee hours of the night and on the weekends. If you are able try substitute teaching at a school or ask to visit one and talk to the staff. I did this at my current school and it was very insightful.