wages

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Home : 2005 : April : 15

wages
By Ali

I'm a first year teacher making $34,000 a year. I take home a lot less than that in each paycheck. After taxes, retirement, and union dues it's a bit depressing.

I also have to take into consideration that I have free
health insurance (that's worth a ton right there), and I get paid year round. They don't pay me as much during the school year, because I get a paycheck for all school breaks (one week at spring break and two weeks at Christmas) plus I get paid my regular salary throughout the summer. I had the option to get paid more throughout the school year and nothing during the summer. I'm also going

to teach summer school and maybe work another job. That way I can put my salary away and use the extra money to pay rent, car payment, car insurance, etc...

This year I feel that it has been difficult (nearly impossible) to get ahead, but I will be able to do that this summer.

All that considered I take home about $900 every two weeks. If I attend an evening workshop or meeting I get paid for those, so sometimes it fluctuates.